I got a forcing-function: the stereotypical pandemic dog. If he doesn’t get his walk, he will do his business in the house. I literally just came back soaked from my daily one hour walk (I was too optimistic about the weather).

Gone are the days when "5 minutes" was an epitome of something negligibly short!

More seriously, the ritual is a key part for some, it changes the focus. (But may be a nuisance for others, of course.)

I live in a retirement community. Nowadays since I can no longer swim (see reply here elsewhere) I pace (very slowly) up and down a long hall. I feel like a monk walking a cloister.

Winter walks are nice though! I used to throw my coat in the dryer to make it warm before I left. Now I live in a mercifully warmer place.

I have a child. Going for a walk involves half an hour of negotiations. Feel better about your five minutes?

You literally argue with child half an hour daily or the the child never leave the house? You don't take the child to playground or just to move about?

It is a small child. Dressing up either involves a lot of screaming or takes at least half an hour.

> You don't take the child to playground or just to move about?

Not sure where you got that idea. I do.