Walking Shoes - Walking and Other Exercise

Guest_1055 · ‎27-01-2016

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......

Doolhof · ‎12-02-2016

Hi Shelley and Everyone as well,

I have another snake story for you. Recently I was out in the garden picking up sticks ready to mow down the dry grass.

Feeling something spongy under my shoes, I looked down to see about a 1.5 metre brown snake!

I jumped up in the air and squealed at the same time, only to land back on top of the snake which hadn't moved. I then tried to jump forward and that is the way the silly snake went too! One foot landed on the snake again!

Eventually we both decided to part company, me going one way and the snake the other! I then went inside and put on my knee height rubber boots!

Snakes! They do get my heart racing!

From (Mrs) Dools

Doolhof · ‎12-02-2016

Me again Sheeley,

I wanted to thank you for the recognition as the person starting a thread that has hopefully inspired people to consider things to be thankful for.

The hug was much appreciated as well.

I try to hug our cat, but she doesn't like it very much and only tolerates it for about 2 seconds. She doesn't like to sit on our laps either.

We tried putting her in a harness so we could take her for a walk outside, she just lay down in a heap and refused to move. We don't like to let her out by herself due to the snakes!

Guest_1055 · ‎12-02-2016

Hello Elizabeth

I am so sorry that you were struggling at the lake, with the sun on your face, bringing up those memories. I wish I could take all the memories away for you. If I was with you at the lake, I would have hugged you, if that is what you would have wanted.

Much love for you today

Shelley xx

Guest_1055 · ‎12-02-2016

Hey Mrs Dools

I have this image of this kitty, with a harness on around its middle. It is sort of trying to slink it's body out of the contraption. Can't manage that.... so it lies down in defeat and simply refuses to move at all. Ha Ha... Well at least you tried to get he or she out to take a walk. So your heart was in it.

With much love

Shelley xx

Guest_1055 · ‎12-02-2016

Hugs to all

Came across this today.....

Exercise, including walking releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness . Studies have shown that exercise can even alleviate symptoms among the clinically depressed. For this reason, doctors recommend that people suffering from depression or anxiety (or those who are just feeling blue) pencil in some time for regular exercise. In some cases, exercise including walking, can be just as effective as antidepressant pills in treating depression.

So there you go........

Shell xx

Elizabeth CP · ‎12-02-2016

Thanks Shelley for the hug. Much appreciated. The info re exercise & endorphins is well known. Walking is also recognised as one of the safest exercises for people with nearly all conditions and all levels of fitness.

Dools your incident with the snake makes a very funny story although I don't imagine it was funny at the time. I remember as a child living in the bush being instructed by my dad to make lots of noise as we walked to scare away snakes. Of course I listened very carefully and understood what he was saying so My siblings & I would sneak through the bush quietly particularly when we saw a snake so we could sneak up close. At least we were careful not to stand on them!!!!

Guest_1055 · ‎12-02-2016

You are very welcome Elizabeth!

Shelley xx

Elizabeth CP · ‎13-02-2016

The one positive is I am still walking each day regardless how I feel. Hopefully I will get back to enjoying it rather than enduring it. I left early as I was awake anyway and wanted to avoid the heat except it has warmed up really early. My daughter& family is visiting today since she missed coming last Sunday. Her children have recovered.

Doolhof · ‎13-02-2016

Hi Bushscout,

I really enjoyed reading your post with all the information about walking. It will be interesting to read further posts from you and all others who post here.

Hi Everyone ,

I went for a walk this morning and was happy to see and hear different birds. I am not sure if the colourful ones were parrots or not, but they were very pretty. I like to listen to the magpies as well, they have a lovely song.

Today I wandered a long a dirt road surrounded by paddocks with a few huge majestic gum trees. Unfortunately we are very close to the highway, so it is hard to get away from the noise of traffic.

This morning I really tried to take notice of all that was around me. I looked at the shape of the clouds, picked some leaves to smell from the various gum trees and pepper tree. I stopped to watch a rabbit jump and scamper across a paddock with crop stubble until I could not see it any longer.

As I was walking along, I was thinking of all the things I am thankful for.

It was such a refreshing walk in so many ways.

Almost home I was feeling very lethargic and ready to put my feet up, when down a very long drive way rushed two over excited guard dogs! They dashed out onto the road, I sped up and thankfully had enough distance between me and their property for them to not chase me up the road.

They have bailed me up in the past, barking at me, baring their teeth and making me feel quite threatened. Give me a snake any day!

Next time I walk along that road I might take a pair of those walking poles with me!

Any ideas on how to control wayward dogs?

Suggestions will be gratefully accepted.

From Dools

Doolhof · ‎13-02-2016

Hi, I have read that before about walking and exercise being beneficial in so many ways. There certainly are so many benefits.

Regarding the cat, she really didn't enjoy the walking idea at all. My husband doesn't like her out in the garden at all due to the snakes, the 4 cats next door that live in our yard and he is afraid she will run away.

We do have a fully enclosed patio area with plants where she can sit in the sun and is entertained by the canaries in the cage. Now and then she climbs the cage and sits on top looking down at her dinner! Ha. Ha.

Now and then I do let her go outside and walk around with her. Most times she returns to the door and wants to go back inside.

A walk would do our large and lazy cat a lot of good!

From Dools