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]

Hugs to all,

Well I walked not as far as yesterday. Today I ventured on out down the road a bit, towards the rec area that is near my place. I walked at a slow pace around the two ovals. There is a small hobby farm backing on to the rec, it used to have chickens running around in there. But today I just noticed two white bee hives.  Because I was walking at such a slow pace, I was able to count over 100 coal cars on the train that railed on by. There is a train line running parallel on the other side of the rec area. My body was a bit sluggish and slow today.....but I am glad I ventured out to walk.

Elizabeth, I read the part where you mentioned that you were painted the ensuite. I saw a woman then in my imagination using a paint roller, going up and down on the walls of a bathroom. She was really getting such a work out with her arms going like that. Using the muscles in her arms. Well if that  vision is you?...Then well done, because that would be helping you get fit, that is just my thoughts anyway.  

With much love

Shelley xx

[blondguy]

Hi Shelley

Hugs for your kind message...I use the term superhero because I strongly feel that people that suffer from stabilizing the peace level (or lack thereof) in the brain are some of the strongest on the planet.

Similar to flying a 747 into a heavy duty thunderstorm without instruments.....its scary

Agoraphobia has various levels...I drive approx 800klms/week but walking a dog around a small suburban block can cause some issues. Elizabeth mentioned up the page..for me to take lots of short walks which is exactly what I do..also trying to increase distance, pushing the boundaries. (Thanks Elizabeth CP 🙂 )

Physical fitness?? ummm...no gym....no long walks lol.......I do have a steep property/driveway and the lawns and maintenance keeps the body happy...umm lots of bottled water....and eat a lot of fish and keep the carbs low

Supermarkets/waiting rooms/long queues/ used to be issue but I do all those now by learning how to find 'anxiety' boring....paying it as little attention as possible which slows the compounding fear which is the basis for anxiety in the first place.

If someone offered me free tickets to see the best band in the world...no way...to big..too busy..too crowded..

We are both superheros Shelley and yes I wear my undies on the outside 🙂 Just like you!

Thankyou Shelley and Elizabeth for your kind and genuine thoughts

Paul

[Bluey_moon]

Paul, 

You are indeed a superhero, the advice and understanding you give on this forum is nothing short of amazing! 

You made me laugh with your underpants on the outside,  I'm going to picture myself dressed like that everytime I feel anxious! 

I hope you are still enjoying your walks and you are being very brave pushing the boundaries. 

Skye 

[Elizabeth CP]

In preparing for the Olympics  athletes often use the term 'personal best'. Only one person gets a gold medal but everyone can try for their personal best (PB) which is in my mind a better, more meaningful goal to achieve. Maybe all of us on this thread are in the 'mental health Olympics'  trying to achieve our own PB.  We can each give ourselves a pat on the back when we achieve this. Paul you seem to be doing wonders managing your agoraphobia so you can carry out the important activities. This is a major step forward. Shelley well done getting out when you felt sluggish. Skye, good luck with finding ways to exercise that suit you and you lifestyle & commitments.

I got back on track today with a decent walk as the previous days were short walks due to fatigue and other pressures.

Shelley that was me you saw with the roller going up and down although the room is so small using the roller was quite quick but climbing up and down the step ladder the cut in around the cornice, light fittings tiles etc and then shifting the ladder and then folding it up so there was room to move to do the skirtings. It wasn't a big job but it was fiddly. If my level of tiredness is an indication I did get a workout. That sounds better than just saying I'm so unfit I get tired doing a small job. Anyway the painting is done and the room is cleaned up so now I need to refit the hooks , toilet roll holder and I will buy a couple of nice towel rails to replace the one that always fell of the wall. I even put in extra shelves above the toilet which are painted now.

[Guest_1055]

Hello to all

Today I have been looking at the word perseverance in regards to walking, and I came across this:

            By perseverance the snail reached the ark.– Charles                                                         Spurgeon.

Hugs

Shelley xx

[Guest_1055]

Hugs to all, if you would like one....

Last evening I left the house, for a walk around the block. As I turned the corner of my street, I could smell a scent of sawed timber. There was a home being newly constructed. And I could see the timber frame already in place. This particular scent is very familiar to me. It has a homey pleasant smell about it. My dad is a builder, most likely he bought home that scent on his work clothes. Way good....... I have to also tell you, that I enjoyed this walk around the block. Normally it sometimes feels like a chore, something I have to do or something.

Elizabeth, I love freshly painted rooms, they sort of have a clean and ordered atmosphere about them. You sound pretty industrious. Do you find yourself getting more fit or do you have more energy now? What about your mental and emotional health, have you noticed any changes there, since you may be walking more? I think I am feeling a bit better in that regard. I can't really explain the actual feeling as yet.. Anyway good on you, for persevering.

Paul, you sound like you have a strength within you, a determination thing sort of happening. Well that is what is coming out in your words.. Now that is a superhero! Do you walk up your steep driveway then?

I am not sure what to say to you Skye, but I will give you a friendly hug.

With love

Shelley xx

Well I think we should all give ourselves a pat on the back. Three cheers for all of us. Yeah,yeah,yeah! 

[Bluey_moon]

Thanks Shelley for the hug! 

I remember,  unlike most people, I used to love the smell of hospitals, but my mum was a nurse, so I'm sure she came home smelling like that! Your story reminded me of that! 

Today was a big day at work, so I'm a bit tired, lots of lifting ect, so I got lots of exercise! Gosh it is hot here though, really muggy and stormy, so no walking today! 

[Elizabeth CP]

I'm glad you enjoyed your walk. One of the things my psych has encouraged me to do is be more 'present in the moment' rather than just focusing on the end goal. I'm still working on it. Noticing the smell of the wood and allowing it to bring back good memories is a good example of this. 

It does feel good to have finished the painting and I fitted the new towel rail today. The only problem is I tend to overdo things so I'm fine while things are going well but feel really bad when I'm not effective. I also sometimes push myself to much leaving me exhausted which is bad for my mental health. I am working on getting the balance right and eventually learn to feel OK even when I'm not doing something 'useful'.

Today I went to the lake and swam instead of walking. I dis some walking in the water and it is still exercise. I set a goal a month ago to swim at the lake each week but this is the first time I've been due to various good reasons but it was getting easier to find excuses and harder to go. Today I was tired wasn't feeling too good but decided I had to go otherwise I would keep finding excuses. 

Once in the water it was lovely. It was cold getting in and a horrible drive beforehand due to roadworks causing a traffic jam but once i started swimming it was lovely. I swam backstroke and watched the clouds to keep straight. They were lovely white fluffy clouds in a blue sky. Noone else was swimming but there were people walking around the lake and a few yachts. It is surrounded by bush & tree covered hills so it is very pretty. After my swim I did some exercises including some for my ankle before dragging myself out. It was very hard to leave as the water felt soft & relaxing. The swim was definitely good for me physically & mentally. I felt much calmer afterwards so doing it weekly is definitely a worthwhile goal..

Tomorrow will be back to walking.

[blondguy]

Hey Shell Elizabeth and Skye 🙂

Thankyou so much for your care...you girls are really very kind x

Elizabeth...PB...very helpful and thankyou...and well done for the effort and dedication you display with your walking and renovations....Your words and support are spoken from the heart....and for that I thank you

Shell....Nice1 on your walks....I envy you....I remember when I used to walk around the block....but now when I get 'to the point of no return' (the midpoint of the walk) I have to turn around and come back..its only a 15 minute walk...I am just not up to it guys. I used to walk around this area with Harley 2 Sox RIP (in the pic) for about a good hour....a huge walk...I can physically do it now..but not mentally. I get frightened..and I use every bit of the CBT and self help I know but it doesnt work.....(been about 2 years now with tiny walks lol)

The anxiety attacks and frequency have decreased big time over 30 years..Yay! But they...it.. has exacerbated into this mongrel agoraphobia (sorry guys...just venting) I have learnt how to stop 'fighting' the anxiety and I have succeeded. Anyhoo.....I was venting...because I am stuck...

Shell....That smell of freshly cut timber (or lumber lol) is a beautiful smell....and I can run up my driveway too lol...

I have the knowledge and experience but sometimes it doesnt work....

Thankyou for being there (Hugs)

Paul (Woof!)

[Elizabeth CP]

I made myself walk this morning before tackling the other pressing things around the house. Very good idea. I felt better after the walk and was able to get through the urgent jobs quicker on return. I did the longer walk and feel that I am definitely feeling fitter. 

Hope everyone else is able to enjoy their own walks today no matter how short or long.