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]

I am feeling quite pleased with myself as I went on another walk tonight. It involved some more hilly sections.

[monkey_magic]

Way to go Shell. Hope you are feeling lighter and rejuvenated after spending time in and observing nature.

It sounds like it gave you a sense of belonging and calm.

🌊🌦️⛅

[Guest_1055]

Thankyou MM, yeah I did feel pretty calm. The beach is my happy place mostly.

How are you going with exercise, you were swimming, is that right?

[monkey_magic]

Morning,

Yeah I went to the local pools and swam laps- breaststroke.

I'm hoping to do some walking as well. Walking can be challenging bcas my back injury can spark up so can the pain in my feet but I go slow and do what I can.

[Doolhof]

Hi Shell, Monkey, Croix and all,

I was planning on going to the beach today and was also going to walk along a boardwalk where I might have been able to see dolphins. Only problem was I awoke with a massive head ache, was dizzy and very tired so I gardened instead.

I sat down a few times and enjoyed the birds and the colours around me. My exercise was raking and pushing wheel barrow loads of sticks into a pile down the back garden.

Hopefully I will get to the beach another day soon!

Hi Monkey, aches and pains can make walking a little restrictive. Hope you manage a short walk at least. Are there some stretches you can do before or during your walk that may help to ease the pain and discomfort a little?

I will aim for a walk in the early morning tomorrow along one of the roads near us.

Cheers to you all. It is lovely to read people's comments here.

Cheers from Dools

[golden82]

Hi Shell,

You write so beautifully. Thank you - it gives us all a visualisation with all the colours and things you notice and describe. I always know it is your writing (even without checking) - your writing has a bit of magic to it when you describe your walks. I am glad you are enjoying them. I am not doing any walks, but hope to get back to slowly. Keep well Shell x

[Doolhof]

Hi Everyone,

This morning I went out early for a walk, it was just before sunrise. The paddocks have large round bales of hay in them, a couple of huge gum trees were silhouetted with the pre dawn colours of grey-blue behind them.

A flock of galahs rose up out of the remnants of the crop where they had been feeding, squawking loudly, they flew around erratically looking for somewhere safe to settle and chose one of the trees.

The sun came up in a ball of orange and rose quickly into the sky which was now enhanced with pale shades of yellow, pink and orange.

The yellow colour in the dried out crops became brighter as the sun rose. The galahs took flight again and pierced the landscape with their raucous calls.

It was another glorious morning.

[Guest_1055]

What did you do to your back MM? And the pain in your feet?

That is good you are able to do swimming though

I also would like to go swimming. In the surf or ocean baths. At the moment and because of the weight I have put on, it just makes me feel self conscious.

[Doolhof]

Hi Shell,

Sorry to know you feel self conscious about swimming. Are there quieter beaches you could go to until you have more self confidence? Are there times when the pools are not so busy?

Would you be able to go to the pools or to the beach once for a swim, tell yourself how wonderful the ocean feels on your body, how calming and relaxing it is and try not to think about what other people may or may not be thinking.

My Mum believed she was a larger size lady and did not go to the beach with us when we were children. In later life she still didn't go as she was concerned others may be looking at her.

It is a shame when images of popular beaches do contain photos of "beautiful people". We humans come in all sizes, shapes and various colours. I hope you are able to embrace who you are Shella nd can enjoy the ocean.

Hugs to you from Dools

[Guest_1055]

That sounds real pretty that sun rise Mrs D. And I can imagine the noise of galahs ringing out in the early morning air. Do you hear anything else in the early morning? Here sometimes there is a gentle sort of hum and lots of bird noise at first light and just before. The hum may be cicada, not sure

Has your headache and dizziness gone now?

I liked hearing about your walk.

And I hear what you are saying in regards to swimming. Yes there is quiter times I could go swimming. And perhaps I will and chose to focus on how the water feels. I have no issues just walking on a beach at the moment. Its just the process of wearing less clothes whilst swimming. Being more uncovered, not liking how I look, and over thinking that others are looking at me. Logically they properly are not.