#UNLITTER Your Mind, One Hot Girl Walk at a Time

By Croft McLean

With spring weather starting to reveal itself, I’ve found myself outside more– taking walks by myself, listening to music, and exploring new trails with friends. These walks have become a way to check in with myself, clear my head, and reconnect with the outdoors in the midst of a packed schedule, constant notifications on my phone, and the everyday chaos of college life.

You may have heard the term “Hot Girl Walk”—a lighthearted trend that started on TikTok—but for me, it’s a way to reset. It’s not about steps or distance; It’s about getting outside, moving with intention, and giving my mind some breathing room.

Walking With Intention

I walk when I feel overwhelmed. I walk when I feel stuck. I walk when I am sad. I walk when I am happy. I walk when I just need quiet. It’s simple, but it works, every time I go on a walk, I come back feeling lighter, clearer, and more like myself. It doesn’t solve everything, but it helps me process whatever I’m feeling.

Walking gives me space to think, even if I don’t necessarily have a reason it’s a way to get outside. It’s been shown, even light exercise like walking can help reduce stress and improve one's mood. For me, it helps me mentally declutter.

Just like we #UNLITTER our environments, these walks help me #UNLITTER my mind.

Hot Girl Walk Energy

Sure, the name might sound funny at first, but there’s actually something really meaningful behind it. 'Hot Girl Walks' aren’t about how you look,  they’re about how you feel. TikTok creator Mia Lind started the trend by encouraging people to go on walks not just for exercise, but to reflect on what they’re grateful for, the goals they’re working toward, and their own inner strength. It’s about being present, checking in with yourself, and finding a little bit of peace in the middle of all the noise of life.

That mindset stuck with me.

I started incorporating regular walks into my routine, and the benefits were immediate. Not only did they give me a break from the constant noise of everyday life, but I also noticed real improvements in my mood and clarity. And it turns out, science backs this up — a study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Another review in the Journal of Medical Internet Research confirmed that different forms of walking can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Whether I’m sorting through emotions, brainstorming creative ideas, or just vibing to music with no destination in mind, walking has become a simple but powerful way for me to reset. It’s like giving my brain room to breathe.

Beyond just a mental reset, walking comes with real, researched benefits. Even light movement like walking has been shown to reduce cortisol levels,  the hormone tied to stress, and increase endorphins, the chemicals that boost your mood. Regular walks can also help improve focus, lower anxiety, and even boost creativity. It's not just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about giving your body and brain a chance to breathe, reset, and recharge. Going on my daily ‘Hot Girl Walks’ feels like a whole body refresh I didn’t know I needed.

Reconnecting With Nature

What I didn’t expect was how these walks brought me back to nature.

I’ve started noticing more—how the sun hits the trees, the sound of birds, tiny blooms I’d normally stroll past. It reminds me that the outside world is still full of calm, even when everything else feels chaotic.

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that even brief time in nature can reduce stress and improve focus. But honestly? You don’t need a study to feel it. Just step outside!

Try It For Yourself

You don’t need a plan. Just go. Walk your usual loop or explore a new trail. Walk with music or in silence. Bring a friend or take the solo time. Notice your surroundings. Breathe deeper.

This isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s just about doing it.

One Step At A Time

These walks have helped me feel more connected to myself, to my surroundings, and to the idea that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a break, step outside, and let the world show you some perspective.

#UNLITTER your mind. Reconnect with nature. Go take a Hot Girl Walk.