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 have done less walking then normal. I am hoping to get on out there today. The sunshine does look inviting through my window.

I did walk around a large shopping centre a couple of days ago. And went on an extremely brief walk to the water on an island. There was a narrow open area between two homes where you could walk down to it. Two boys were fishing. And another place on the island we walked to a boat ramp. That too was a short distance.

[Guest_1055]

Oh Mrs D, I am sorry about your knee. Ouch. Can you wear one of those support bandages I wonder?

You are going for a walk in your imagination. The rugged coast line that you described so vividly appeals to me a lot. Almost inspiring me to get on our there myself.

Japanese Garden... Where have you been for a walk in one. I may have walked in one in Melbourne when I was down there. Or maybe it was another city, just don't remember.

[Doolhof]

Hi Shell,

I'm looking forward to reading about your walk if you get out today as I am not walking until my knee settles down again.

Even a short walk can be interesting. There can be so many things to see and experience in a short distance.

Thinking of you Shell and hope you have an okay kind of a day. Cheers from Dools

[Guest_1055]

This afternoon I went walking on breakwater path and up Lighthouse Hill. I tried to enjoy the walk, but was struggling to. Just feel so troubled inside. Heard soft music of the bag pipes. Don't know where it was coming from.

[Doolhof]

Dear Shell,

Sending you caring thoughts and letting you know I care for how you are struggling at the moment. I'm sorry you are feeling so troubled inside. I'm thinking of you and wish I had the words to share that would help you in some way.

It is wonderful you were able to go for a walk even though part of you didn't feel like going. People have said it is important to keep doing the things we usually enjoy as it is supposed to be beneficial. Darn hard at times though hey!

Thinking of you Shell, with much care from Dools

[Guest_1055]

Yes it is very hard Mrs D. When a lot of the inside of me just does not want to be here.... existing any longer. I generally do like to walk. Thinking I may catch the ferry across the port and walk a bit further today. A small change in scenery.. The ferry. Feel like I am not really here though. Not real. If I stay in this bed with my thoughts focused on me, me, me then from experience I know it makes me worse. But I do want to curl up in a ball and close my eyes and not wake up again.

[Doolhof]

Hey dear Shell,

I'm really so sorry you are really struggling precious one.

Would you consider phoning one of the support groups? Lifeline Beyond blue Suicide call-back or any other numbers you may know of?

Our minds can become rather grim can't they!

Is there anything you can do to get out of your mind for a while? This afternoon I binged on a t.v. series then I went out and was physical trying to clean all the dust storm dirt off the pavers.

Please reach out to someone Shell. I know it can be hard telling people how you are feeling. I hope you can manage to do so and it provides you with some relief and a sense of help.

Once again I wish I had the words that would help you! Kindest regards from Mrs. D xxx

[Guest_1055]

Thankyou Mrs D

I too binged watched stuff yesterday. It did help a bit to stop thinking about other things some. Never went for a walk. Though today I walked on Breakwater Path. I went early this morning. Noticed my face was chilled from the crisp morning sea air.

I did end up contacting a counseller.

[Doolhof]

Hi Shell and All,

Do you feel more alive when your face is chilled when out walking? The wind can be extremely cold sometimes can't it.

Do you feel better for chatting to a counsellor Shell? You don't have to answer that if you don't want to. Sometimes I find it extremely beneficial, sometimes frustrating. Occasionally I will call someone from Lifeline, then Beyond blue, then another place if I still feel I need to talk.

I went to the physio yesterday. I have damaged my knee cap so was told I can only walk for 20 minutes and have exercises to do and need to massage it.

This morning I went just before dawn and walked to a place where I can watch the sun rise over a small hill. It was cloudy, foggy and very grey with a short burst of colour during the sun rise.

I noticed some gum trees are in blossom as are some of the wattles. I heard a couple of magpies. The crops are starting to grow and the paddocks have a thin carpet of green after many months of brown soil and dried stalks from last years crops.

Wishing you all a day that provided moments of peace, happiness, comfort and things to be thankful for.

Kindest regards and best wishes from Dools

[Guest_1055]

Yeah I do feel more physically alive when my face gets blasted with chilly air. And also breathing in that same air deeply physically seems to help. It is other parts of my soul that feel far away and not alive.

I walked again on Breakwater Path today, and there was a chill on my face. I happened to notice an itty bitty willy wag tail. He was just between the twiggy shrubs that border the path and the path itself. So very cute. I also noticed the gentle ripples in the water on the port side. I am glad I walked on our there, despite everything as I know it is doing me good.

Hope your knee heels pretty quick. How did you hurt it? Maybe you said, sorry just don't remember. Is it good that you are able to walk 20 minutes?