Walking for Wellness

[Former-Member]

Well done @Oaktree, that's quite the achievement! 😊

In my experience finding a purpose for leaving the house (like Pokemon Go), really helped motivate me to readjust to getting back out there in the world. I used to really struggle with it, but the more and more I did it, the more I grew to enjoy it and eventually started to look forward to it.  They do say it takes 21 days to create a habit - one more week to go! I'm really pleased to hear you also get to share your achievements in the game with your son too!  Keep up the great work. 💜

Sirius✨

[Shaz51]

Way to go my @Oaktree , well done ❤❤

[Dimity]

Well done @Oaktree . 

My walk today was to and from the busstop. Really high anxiety with sun in my eyes and as twilight came on, my vision isn't improving. 

[Oaktree]

Sorry about the anxiety @Dimity 

Glad you had a short walk!

Meggle

[TAB]

Well Done @Oaktree I was so stuffed after moving contents of storage unit I didn't walk today. Definitely tomorrow

[HenryX]

Hello@Oaktree , @Dimity , @Former-Member  , @TAB , @Shaz51 , @BPDSurvivor , @pinklollipop15 , @Jimbo2 , @Former-Member , @hanami , @Former-Member , @tyme 

and other members reading in and walking for this thread

Really pleased to hear that the walking is fun @Oaktree , and congratulations on your accomplishment of two weeks, yesterday. From your 'reports', it is exercise, but also the opportunity to meet random people with whom you feel comfortable. And the simple enjoyment of walking will lead to the other health benefits as a natural consequence. The added bonus of virtual gifts for your son with the accumulation of "pokestops" also adds some interest. I had the question in my mind, "what are pokestops?" and then I saw the reference to Pokemon and now I have a vague idea of what pokestops are.

If you can look towards achieving a goal doing something that you enjoy, you've had a double benefit. I also noticed that you are improving your time/distance. Getting your son to come along by use of "motherly bribery tactics" is good for you and him too. I also like your comment to @Dimity that, "It doesn’t matter where you walk as long as you are walking!"

The expression, ".... pre-contemplation phase of walking." gave me a smile.

I also noticed @Former-Member asking about changes in mood as a result of walking. I believe that walking raises endorphins:

https://www.healthline.com/health/endorphins

"Endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers, and they can boost your mood, too. These chemicals are naturally produced by the body during pleasurable activities (e.g., exercise, sex, and laughing), as well as painful experiences, such as twisting your ankle."

Don' forget or dismiss the other ways of generating these handy little gizmos that we can produce for ourselves and with appropriate others.

@TAB, it sounds as though you shouldn't chastise yourself for not getting your walk in yesterday. The different type of exercise involved in moving of the contents of the storage unit was probably a good balance for the walking, and beneficial in its own way. From what you say, you actually got a reasonable amount of exercise in from the storage unit activity.

I notice that you referred to a "national park" nearby - sounds like a pleasant environment in which to walk and enjoy the peacefulness. From some of your reports @TAB , I get the impression that, at times, you go all out and then find yourself suffering afterwards. Though I did notice that you mentioned transitioning from level ground, in the process of getting "half serious." And then I find a reference that might confirm my original suspicion, "its All or Nothing baby".

Love the comment about the contents of the backpack (15 kg) not being health food.

I notice that @Dimity has been influenced by the thread to get out for some walking too and complimenting you @Oaktree , on re-awakening this walking for exercise thread, which I notice that you started in July '21. I think that I will have to do some walking by going to the shop when I just want a few things that I can also carry in my backpack. So, I'll also say, conditional upon me actually doing so, that you will all have motivated me also.

Definitely coat and woolly scarf weather @Dimity , even over here in the Mid-west of W.A.

Hi @Former-Member , I noticed that you had mentioned that you had not been well back around the end of June. How are you feeling now? My hope is that your health has improved or is improving. The beach near where you live, of which I have seen photos, sounds pleasant.

I hope that your daughter is doing well.

@Jimbo2  mentioned enjoying the benefits of his walking around some hilly areas. Sounds good, even if it can be challenging at times.

I enjoyed reading @Former-Member' comment "... my favourite thing about walks is noticing the little changes on my normal routes as the seasons change - Magnolias will be starting to bloom soon, which always makes me happy!"

For the start of Wednesday

Best Wishes to Everyone

@HenryX 

[TAB]

Ok its not a national its a state park or something @HenryX
Um been here 16 days now, I think my legs working way better now then when I first got here. Consistency comes next 😸

[HenryX]

Hi @TAB 

I'll bet the park doesn't know whether it is a council, state or national park; it probably feels just the same. Apart from them being different sizes and having different organisational features, some more natural, others organised in various ways, they each have their own style of beauty that we can appreciate. Different styles of park may also lend themselves to matching our different moods as they occur. We may sometimes enjoy being in an ordered space, whereas at other times we might feel more comfortale in a free-flowing natural environment.

It sounds as though you are enjoying where you are and the spaces around you, at the moment, @TAB .

Cheers, @HenryX 

[TAB]

oh , there was a sign I saw the other day @HenryX  cant remember what it said. Not national. Anyway national implies touristy  and facilities and its well, trees and bushes

[Oaktree]

Hi @HenryX 

Yes I have been enjoying the walking and I am especially satisfied that I have successfully done it daily for over two weeks now. When I set the daily goal I didn’t think I could keep it up. Look who was wrong! Yes I downloaded Pokémon Go onto my phone. It is a stupid game that encourages more walking. Basically you catch Pokémon on the way and you spin pokestops. Pokestops are usually signs at parks and other places. You spin the sign and it gives you a range of items such as poke balls, gifts, potions etc useful items for your Pokémon. You can also battle with your Pokémon but I have no idea about that. Maybe I will get my son to teach me at some point but right now can’t be bothered. Poke balls are thrown at Pokémon to catch them and you only have a set amount which is why you want to go to pokestops to get more. 
Thanks for your kind words. I do try and be an encouragement to others here to help get them walking also.

So down to my report for today!

I walked the longer walk around the park and I hatched 3 eggs in Pokémon Go! One was really cute. I feel good having my walk out of the way for the day! A friend from university contacted me while I was out walking as well. It was nice to hear from him. He is a PHD student. He wants me to come in and have a cuppa with him sometime soon so we can discuss strategies for successful studies.

Meggle