Walking Shoes - Walking and Other Exercise

[Guest_1055]

Hey to anyone reading this.

Last night I had an idea about starting a new thread about exercise especially walking. I am aware that walking is very beneficial for our mental, emotional and physical well being. And by actually doing it....well it can make a huge difference to how we cope with the storms that we face in life.

OK, I am not real good at disciplining myself to walk, and have to really push myself to do it. And sometimes it is even hard to leave this bedroom. Anyway I am not a beginner walker, as I have stuck to sort of a plan before. So I know that it does make me feel somewhat better. But I only stayed on the plan for a couple of months, then gave up.....for whatever reason. So here I am again wanting desperately to not fail this time.

So I guess this thread is for anyone that does walk, anyone that is struggling to walk because of depression or anxiety issues. And anyone else really......

I am unsure of the outcome of all this. But my ideas included: Sharing about things we have found out about exercise especially about walking. Writing down the reasons that one would chose to walk ( like something to help motivate). Being accountable in same way. Sharing about the places where we actually do walk, like the beach, gym, around the block, with the dog, out to the clothesline and back. And any other useful tips that could help others. So here we go......

[Guest_1055]

Hope this helps to motivate or encourage us in someway. I came across it today.

•  Walking can help take your mind off worries. 
• Exercise including walking is a distraction that can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression.

[Bluey_moon]

Hi Shelley, 

i hope you are feeling ok! I wanted to send you a great big hug! I think of you often, how you are going! 

Wanna know a secret, I don't like exercise unless it's with friends! I used to play indoor netball before I had kids I really liked it! 

Skye 

[Guest_1055]

Hey to anyone reading, with many hugs to you

I am just about to go out to the beach, for it has cooled down now. Haven't got much energy, but oh well...here goes... I will see how much I can walk. It is now 7:50pm.

Shell xx

[Guest_1055]

Hello

Well I ended walking along the concrete pathway along the beach area. My son walked with me, as it was getting pretty late. There was a cool breeze blowing, and we only saw a few other walkers, so it was quite. I don't think there was any moon, or maybe it was behind clouds, as it was dark.  Especially the ocean.Though the path had tall lights every now and then.  So it was easy to see ahead. We even met a stray cat, that came up to us for a pat, which we bent down to give it one. So all up I walked 3km.

Hugs to all

Shelley xx

[blondguy]

Hey Shelley

You are a superhero....and Im serious.....3klms....I envy you and what you written in this post and what you have achieved as well. I am physically fit...and I am committed to dog rescue and re-hab....but.....after I spent several years accepting and floating by my anxiety...(Credits: Claire Weeks...Self Help For Your Nerves..RIP Dr Weeks) I now have this agoraphobia which of course is a leaf off the anxiety tree...I just didnt expect it to bloom...it limits the distance I can walk....However I am pushing my boundaries Shelley..as far as I can.

In the meantime Great work...you legend you!

Kind Thoughts

Paul

[Elizabeth CP]

Shelley I am now jealous. I have always loved walking at sunset & in the evening and walking beside the beach (or any water) is particularly pleasant. I have a fear of sunburn so even when covered up& sunscreen on and can't relax in the sun!!!. It is also peaceful and cooler at night. I am trying to pint my ensuite today so started early. I'll try to walk this evening. 

Thanks Shelley for the hug. I like hugs from friends so I will be happy to accept yours.

Paul I hope you are able to eventually manage your agrophobia. Maybe you can find somewhere you feel safe to do very short walks and gradually increase this. Look after yourself. 

[Guest_1055]

Hey Skye

Thankyou so very much for the great big hug. That is very kind of you. Here is one back too you. You asked me how I was.... well I am plodding along trying to improve things within me. One of the improvements is trying my best to walk every day. Which is a challenge, because I sometimes really can't manage much of a walk.

Ah Skye I smiled when you let your secret out, about not liking exercise. I am not too fond of it either. But the fact you used to play netball, well that is pretty good. Have you got some sort of hoop at your place that you could shoot balls into? I know you have children, I was wondering if you could just play along with them scoring goals and such. You definitely would get your body moving anyway. You have now inspired me a bit, for I have this netball hoop that I could use at my place. I just have to work out how to attach it? 

Well anyway Skye I think any type of movement of our bodies is beneficial, even if we are vacuuming around the house, or pushing the shopping trolley along the isles in Woolworths. Or even walking out down the drive to the letterbox. We are still walking I guess.

I do hope you are having a good day, with much love to you

Shelley xx

[Guest_1055]

Hey Sherie

 I am not sure if I was checking up on you or not in regards to that "counting the steps device." Just curious that is all to see how many steps you actually do in a day. Because you always seem busy going about physically helping other people.  You know like the elderly lady ( that you mentioned about in another thread) I am guessing you would be walking around in general a lot any way in your day. And there definitely would be some benefit in doing that, because you are still moving around......

Anyway if you end up going to the beach on Friday, I hope you really enjoy your time and walk, with Holly. Sounds nice and peaceful....

Many hugs to you

Shelley xx

[Bluey_moon]

Hey Shelley, 

Thanks for the reply! 

Even plodding on is good! You are doing such a great job, I'm so proud of you! 

Yes we do have a hoop I could use! Tomorrow I go to swimming lessons with my little one, which will be good exercise!

i do also enjoy playing with the kids and I work in a storeroom so I lift and carry a lot but I would like to get into exercising more! 

Take care hon

Skye

[Guest_1055]

Hey Paul

No one has ever called me a superhero before, but I think I feel a feeling of encouragement by your words. So for that....well thankyou very much.

You say you are physically fit, well.....that is way cool and super good. So do you walk the dogs or engage in a lot of physical labor or something? Or do you have a home gym to help keep you fit? Because if yes, well........ yeah yeah yeah

When you say you have agoraphobia, are you saying it is a challenge for you to leave your home, or go into say a crowded supermarket, that sort of thing?  

It sounds like you are working hard to get better or something Paul. So do you think you are a superhero as well??

Shelley xx