Attempting to blend self-care with parenting can often feel like a comedy of errors. Lisa Perese-Cullen’s viral TikTok, which garnered 475K views, humorously depicts this struggle, showcasing a scenario familiar to many parents. In her video, she appears outside, intensely engaged in a chaotic scene involving a tangled dog leash and a child’s scooter, all while attempting to enjoy a ‘mental health walk.’ The overlay text succinctly captures her sentiment: ‘Went on a “mental health walk” with two kids and a dog. It did more damage than good because WTF was that.’
The Irony of ‘Family Wellness Time’
Don’t you love those moments when your GPS chirps, ‘You have arrived,’ but you’re staring at an empty lot? This is akin to the reality of family mental health walks. What starts as an intent to boost endorphins often devolves into a cortisol-fueled expedition, where every element of a simple stroll transforms into a monumental challenge. As TikTok user @thegirlwiththeblacktatt aptly states, “I firmly believe mental health walks are for YOURSELF, ALONE. Not the family lol.” A sentiment echoed by others lamenting that the idea of ‘refreshing family walks’ likely came from a childless executive who has neither experienced such chaos nor owned a spirited pet.
The Stages of Family Walk Grief
The first few minutes of these outings may trick you into believing you are in for a pleasant experience. Yet, within moments, a child might refuse to walk while another presents themselves as an adventurous exploration expert, potentially leading to disaster. One commenter, @rebeccadh21, captures the essence when they note, “The first 5 minutes really does trick you… then you’ve got a dog running away, a kid refusing to walk and the other thinks they’re Bear Grylls.” Anyone who has been in this situation understands that reality swiftly sinks in, creating a realization of the complexities involved.
The Odd Calm of Murder Podcasts
Ironically, many parents confess to finding solace in dark subjects, with some declaring that listening to true crime narratives proves far more relaxing than the pandemonium of family walks. When gruesome tales of murder offer a reprieve from a constant barrage of questions from children, it’s a testament to how those moments of chaos can turn even the standard stroll into a high-stress event.
Real Mental Health Walks Matter
Research supports that mental health walks yield genuine benefits, helping to reduce anxiety and elevate mood when undertaken solo. Thus, it’s essential to embrace the reality that true mental health walks may require strategic planning. Some suggestions include claiming you’re stepping out to check the mail, waking up earlier than the kids, or even cordoning off a bathroom for a quick workout session.
In a humorous nod to parents, we extend our understanding to Lisa Perese-Cullen and the multitude of overscheduled and exhausted parents. Your quest for a peaceful, rejuvenating walk is well recognized—and there’s a compassionate spot waiting for you on the solo walkers’ bench as soon as the kids relinquish their gymnastic ambitions for an hour.
Comments are closed