I’m lucky to live less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean and I make the ocean a regular part of my workout routine, visiting Strands Beach in Dana Point or Thousand Steps in Laguna as often as I can. Lately I’ve been ramping up to hike Mt. Whitney so I’ve been tackling the stairs at both beaches a few times per week. It’s a great workout with an incredible view.

The physical part of the workout is just one component. For me the mental clarity it provides is even more important.

We live in interesting times. There’s really no need to pontificate on the stimulus overload we all face these days. When we aren’t on social media we’re listening to nearly every song ever recorded, on-demand, plus an endless supply of podcasts, traditional radio and Audible books. The amount of amazing and cheap audio content available is remarkable.

While I make my typical circuit of ten to fifteen sets of stairs I see many of the same people every day, accompanied by a smile and a nod. Nine out of ten have ear buds in during their workout. I personally make a point to go ear bud free, for a couple of reasons. First, I think we have to find time to give our brain a break and re-charge. Second, movement is a tool that fuels creativity and free thought.

So lose the headphones every once and a while.