What Happened When I Forgot My Airpods

This past Sunday, I headed out for an early morning walk to beat the heat. The sun was already up, the streets were quiet, and I was about a block from home when I realized… I forgot my AirPods.

For a second, I thought about turning back. I usually walk and listen to a podcast, some music, or something I’ve been meaning to catch up on. It feels like I’m squeezing more value out of the time.

But instead of going back, I just kept going.

And I’m glad I did.

Without anything in my ears, I started to really notice what was around me. The wind moving through the trees. Birds chirping. The distant hum of a plane overhead. Even the sound of my own footsteps. Some parts of my route pass through peaceful, wooded paths, and without distraction, I felt truly present.

It was calming. Restorative. Simple, but powerful.

I realized I was walking taller. Breathing deeper. My shoulders softened. My mind felt lighter, not weighed down by input, not pulled in different directions. I wasn’t trying to squeeze anything else in. I was just walking.

And that was more than enough.

That morning made me realize something: maybe the best kind of break is one where we fully unplug, not just from screens or to-do lists, but from the constant stream of audio in our ears.

So, from now on, I’m claiming my walks just for me.

No AirPods. No playlists. No background noise. Just me, moving, breathing, noticing.

Here’s why I think it’s worth trying:

• It gives your nervous system a break. Without added input, your body can relax and shift out of stress mode.
• You connect more with nature. The real sounds around you, birds, trees, footsteps, become more grounding than anything in your earbuds.
• You breathe differently. Slower. Fuller. More ease.
• You walk differently. Less rushed. More aware.
• You think more clearly. With fewer distractions, your own thoughts finally get a little space.

I still enjoy a good podcast or playlist. But right now, what I need more of is quiet. And presence. And moments that feel fully mine.

So, if you’re heading out for a walk sometime soon, consider leaving the earbuds behind. See what shifts. You might be surprised by how good it feels.