Wirecutter - Go on a great walk

Lately, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about shrimp, and not because I’m craving it, but because I tend to look like one at the end of the work day. My back a pronounced “C” shape, my eyes beady from screen time, head jumbled with work stuff. My simple solution to all of it: an after-work walk. After slamming gently closing my laptop, I throw together my walking recipe (a decade-old baseball hat, a Baggu fanny pack, and my sneakers), and head out the door.

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I sometimes take this time to place a magical eight-minute phone call, oftentimes to my mother, whose attitude is increasingly “you again?” I’ll try a new podcast if my mind needs a focused distraction. Or sometimes, when I’m feeling especially brave, I’ll just ... be in the present moment.

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I always feel renewed an hour later, having gotten some light exercise and sun. Walking not only helps my body to feel better and less crustacean-like, but it also allows my mind to enjoy the rest of my non-work day. As Andrew McCarthy put it in his recent NYT Opinion piece, “Has anyone ever emerged from ambling through nature for an hour and regretted their improved state of being?”

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If you’re ready to hit the ground walking, here’s a Wirecutter-approved recipe to have the best walk ever:

• Fanny pack: Ah, the infamous fanny pack. You may recoil from its reputation as a dorky eyesore, but you’ll soon be converted by the power of keeping everything you need within an unburdened arm’s reach. 
• Comfy shoes: Before you lace up a new pair, consult our guide to how to choose the best running shoes. (Also, we’re still seeing great deals on cool-and-comfy Hoka sneakers, in both men’s and women’s sizes).
• Sunscreen: Don’t let the sun—and the overwhelming number of sunscreen options out there—get the best of you. We’ve got just the thing: the best sunscreen for your body and face.
• Cheap sunglasses: If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that won’t  break your heart when they inevitably go missing, and that look and feel more expensive than they actually are, peruse our favorite cheap sunglasses.
• Water bottle: We tested over 100 and narrowed it down to eight favorites to keep you hydrated on the move.
• Headphones: If you’re a drown-it-all-out kind of walker, we’ve got headphone recommendations for days. (There’s a great deal right now on these Wirecutter-approved EarFun Free 2S Wireless Earbuds, just use promo code BFFREE2S1.)

And if you’re still feeling shrimpy, here’s some expert advice for treating back pain at home.

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