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]

That is good advice to give to Rose Elizabeth. We do tend to feel better if we can actually get out of the house and exercise a bit out there. Fresh air and all that. Yeah you are right.

Good you replanted some strawberries

[Guest_1055]

Oh Elizabeth, about the baby carrier...

I did think there could actually be one for an older child. Like hikers carry a heavy load on there backs sometimes. And I knew you used to hike a lot. So thought you knew what you were talking about. I was just checking is all. I was not pointing out a mistake or anything. Just didn't know

[Guest_2496]

Hi Shell

Yes I do love walking near water - it’s so peaceful. That day there were too many people around to be distant enough though.

and yes, this house is all floorboards (With rugs) - a bit cool in winter but easy to keep clean 🙂

[Guest_5432]

Hello Elizabeth CP & shelll

Thank you for thinking of me about looking for places to walk such as a nearby park. Am aware that walking is excellent therapy to release all the negative thoughts & build us up with happy thoughts. Haven't even done walkies indoors. Here in Victoria especially Melbourne & suburbia areas are in lockdowns with severe restrictions so I'm complying with government laws. We're constantly reminded to Stay at Home except for four things. I'm unable to leave the hotspot area to drive into the rural Victoria that is so relaxing, calming to unwind. Really missing that. We're not allowed to visit anyone, family & neither is anyone allowed to visit us. We're advised to Stay home otherwise we get hefty fine for just being outdoors.

Sorry but I'm on a real downer the last few weeks or so. Am trying to be as positive as can be .... the 2nd lockdown is more severe that the 1st lockdown...

Better days ahead..

Take care

[Guest_1055]

Hey Rose, it's okay to have real downer days I think. Think I may be learning that. It's okay just to sort of "be". No striving, no trying to work it all out. Just "being" nice and calm like. Nice and calm in amongst all the changing circumstances we find ourselves in.

Is there anything else that you find relaxing, calming and helps you unwind apart from drives into the rural areas?

Warm bath, simply looking out the window where you are and noticing any nature around you. Really hearing any birds. Feeling the warmth of any sunshine, (if there happens to be any) Just like bring the nature and feeling of the rurul/countryside to yourself. That may sound weird, I don't know. Even listening to the rain. What do you think?

Sorry if that sounds like a lecture or anything. Have I understood what you were saying? My brain is a bit muddled today.

I hope you are okay there

Shelley

[Guest_1055]

Hello, Elizabeth, Annie, Mrs D, Rose, Sleepy and anyone else.

This post is to say.... I haven't done any exercise or walking either since the last time I wrote about it. About 1 and 1/2 weeks I think. I have been really struggling with motivation and physical and emotional tiredness. And perhaps the "I cannot be bothered" thing happening within me. I do not like to feel the "I cannot be bothered" feeling. I am aware of all the benefits of exercise and such, but it does not seem to make a difference..... like to help motivate myself.

Anyway just wanted to let you all know.

[Elizabeth CP]

I hope you can get out of the can't be bothered feeling. It is horrible, I've struggled with this. Perhaps get your sister or son or someone to go out with you. Sometimes someone else can get us moving when we can;t motivated ourselves. Today my son rang & arranged to meet us near a walking track away from people. We are in lockdown so walking in an area where we could easily keep well apart but still see each other worked for us otherwise I probably wouldn't have gone.

It was a steep muddy track uphill past lots of boulders & rocks buried in the ground. The kids loved to climb them. It was hard watching the 6 yr old struggle & not be able to help but with the restrictions I wasn't prepared to break the rules I preferred to stay over 10 m away from my son & grandkids so they knew we were doing the right thing. I climbed some of the rocks myself to add some challenge to my exercise.

Rose the restrictions in Victoria allow you to leave the house to exercise. I try to find places where few people go, where there is room to move away from others very easily or choose times when few people are out walking. This lockdown I am doing some things we avoided last time because of the impact it had on my husband's condition. We have spoken to his health professionals & are trying to do what we can to avoid getting the virus while still doing the things he needs to avoid further deterioration.

[Guest_5432]

Hi Shelll, Elizabeth CP & Everyone.

Hope you're all well as can be

Thank you for ideas where to walk. Yes I do miss walking outdoors especially in rural Victoria to get the fresh air that is much better than walking indoors. Due to other medical probs at present its best I walk inside. Occassionally I'll walk few times up & down a long flat driveway without going on the street. Know my limitations.

Have a nice day & take care

[Elizabeth CP]

Today i went for an 'angry' walk. My anger was against the situation we are in in Victoria & hearing the ongoing large numbers of cases. The restrictions are having a negative impact on us even though I know the government & those medical professionals directing the premier are doing their best to manage the situation. On my walk my mind just churned thinking all the negative thoughts. On a positive note by leaving the house I avoided exploding & doing or saying something hurtful.

My son rang while I was walking & noticed I was upset. He tried to cheer me up trying to bring some perspective into my concerns while acknowledging that they are valid. He then shared some funny things his almost 1 year old was doing.

Sorry not an inspiring post but maybe important to remember that walking or other exercise is good to get away from bad situations

[Guest_1055]

Thankyou for writing that Elizabeth. Definitely when I have felt angry I have done exercise of some kind. Thankyou for bring real.