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]

Spent time walking with my sister on Breakwall Path. Once we walked to the end, we peered out into the ocean.

The ocean was such a deep green colour, and from where we were looking... the ocean seemed to never end, when we peered straight ahead. The expanse was enormous. The waves kept coming in one after the other. We chatted and peered out for quite a while. Then made our way back.

[Guest_1055]

Went for walk on Breakwall Path.

I don't remember a lot of it, only the feeling of mists of water on my skin from the waves splashing over.

I struggled to get out of the car to even walk. I was faraway at times and emotionally distressed. Felt stuck in the car for quite a while. Could not make a logical desicsion to even get out.

I eventually did. But walked along willing my feet to step.

30 mins before that, I was practising even deep breathing. Then concentrated on how my body felt... I felt my lips quivering, I felt tears moving down on my face, I felt an ache inside of me.

I am thankful I did eventually walk though.

I am ok and currently sitting in the car which is under the shade of a tree. A cool breeze is blowing in the opened door.

[golden82]

Hi Shell,

That's happened to me in the past a lot too. Sometimes wouldn't even get out the car and just go home. I think even if u just stay in the car with the outside scenery and all is still an achievement. Some days and times are extra hard. Sometimes tears come; sometimes not. Just feel what u need to feel. Good that u ended up managing a walk. I haven't walked for months. We had SA borders opened in Nov and the rules and changes have made me slip more with depression and agoraphobia. I would like to try a drive to the beach again though. You have reminded me of it. Thank u. Hope u have a nice night Shell x

[monkey_magic]

I agree with Golden, you did really well to get out and go for a walk. How are you feeling now, has those feelings calmed down for you?

Today I went for a 60min swim at the indoor pools. I always feel good for doing it.

I also hope those feelings will ease for you too Golden and that U will be out enjoying the beach again.

[golden82]

Thanks MM. Good to see u and well done on all that swimming, glad u feel good after. I would like to swim I'm not very good at it, also a bit self conscious. I did phone my local pool last year and they weren't taking new ppl due to covid. Maybe one day. Enjoy your night MM x

[Guest_1055]

That is so good you went swimming MM.

The feelings are below the surface. It is a challenge to explain. I do feel calmer now but know they are there. A sadness inside of me.

[Guest_1055]

Yeah I have been stuck in the car several times before. Frozen in there in panic. Another time when someone else was driving... I just got out of the car at traffic lights and ran.

Like you though I have simply driven to a beautiful spot... not in panic but just to get a change of scenery. And I have not gotten out of the car. I too had issues getting out of my place, years ago. Is your car a safe place for you then?

I understand the self conscious sensation Golden.

I went swimming about a week ago. First time in a while. I felt very self conscious because of how I look in swimmers. I went to a quiet beach to swim in the ocean...it was much easier to do it.

I have also gone to the ocean baths to swim... in the early hours in the morning, almost in darkness still. Do you think you could do that Golden if their is ocean baths near you. If you are awake anyway. You could float on your back in the water and watch the stars slowly go and watch first light wake up.

[Guest_1055]

Went for a walk twice on the breakwall. Very breezy out there. Felt the mist again from the waves spashing over. Nice and cool

[Guest_1055]

This afternoon I walked along the path that goes along the coast. The ocean is on one side... the road the other. Walked along the coast then I made my way back through the streets. I had never been on some of those streets. It was nice the change of scenery, instead of the ocean, there were lots of historical buildings , terrace houses and a large park. I liked looking up at the old buildings.... so much character some of them had.

[Guest_1055]

Walked in a shopping centre today. Large one.