– and how you can too.
How there. How are you? If you read my last blog, you would know I had a bit of a reflection on a recent experience. If you would like to have a read of that blog, here is the link below:
Now that you are back, let’s carry on with the subject of the day, and something I guess you can say that I have had time to reflect on during my many early morning experiences.
I am course talking about walking.
For several months I have set my alarm to an early time, and for several days and weeks, I have put my lunch in my rucksack, splashed my weary face, and walked a brisk half hour to the train station each morning.
The first few mornings were difficult, the getting up, and the energy needed to get to the station. Some mornings I would get to the station exhausted, wondering how on earth I was going to manage an 8-hour day.
Through sun and rain, I walked.
And a strange thing began to happen.
You see, I love coffee. For anyone who knows me, I am a coffee guy.
For some time before losing my ability to drive, I would have a really strong coffee in the morning and would continue to power through my day with strong coffee and energy drinks.
If you would like to know more about coffee and its yo-yo effect on being alert, I have another blog you can have a look at if you like:
I would have a strong coffee to wake up and get myself to work in the mornings.
Without my car, and realizing I had to rely on my two feet, the act of walking briskly by itself began to wake me up. Just the fact that I was walking quickly meant my heart was beating faster to send the blood around my body at a faster pace to keep up with the new demands of my muscles which until a few hours prior had been resting and dormant.
I also found that along with waking up my body, walking would also be waking up my mind. Each morning for that half hour, I had opportunities to reflect on situations at work or at home.
According to The Mayo Clinic (2023), regular brisk walks have several health benefits that include improving your cardiovascular health, improving your energy levels, strengthening your immune system, and reducing stress and tension.
If you would like to read, the link to their piece is below:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20046261
Walking can also help you burn calories and lose weight. According to Medical News Today (2023), in a study done on a sample of overweight females who walked 50-70 minutes a day, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks, lost an average of 1.5% body fat and 1.1 inches from around their waists.
If you would like to read more, I have included the link to the article below:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325809
Walking briskly for males and females brings with it health benefits, and a variable such as a modified diet may also help the person lose more weight. This is not to overlook the real benefit of walking though.
6 months ago when my wife tried to hug me it was difficult for her to get her arms around me.
6 months later, she is now able to hug me with her arms around me.
Walking can also help you sort out the noise of things in your head, and help you to clear your head, plan, and create. I recently had a presentation to give to a different department and found myself rehearsing the presentation a few times along my walk.
A fun bonus I also set myself with walking, is to see how many steps I took. For anyone who may be a bit competitive or would be curious about tracking themselves, there are also several apps or smartwatches you can get that tell you how many spets you are doing, etc., but if a smartwatch is not within your budget, that is fine too.
Your measurement may be how you feel physically after a few mornings of walking. After some time, when you are feeling stronger and fitter, and the other half comments on how defined your legs are looking, you can also take this as a sign that you are making small improvements each day.
And even if you do have the convenience of your own car to get you to and from work each day, consider one morning in the week getting the train to work, or incorporating a morning walk into a weekend activity.
The beauty of walking is it is something that most able-bodied individuals are able to do, regardless of their fitness level or exercise experience.
So if you have a few minutes to spare (after reading this blog of course), go for a walk. You may thank me when you come back.
Closing
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and if you know of anyone who may benefit from / appreciate the blog, please recommend it to them as well. And if you are feeling low and struggling with your mental health, please know that during this difficult time of the pandemic, there is still help out there and help available. Talk to your GP. Freephone Samaritans 116 123.
There is help out there. You are not alone.
Remember: it’s a journey. It will take time. Have patience in the process. You will get there. Until then, stay happy, stay healthy, and have a lovely time wherever you are on the planet.
And remember: love yourself. And others.
Greg
References:
A bit about the author:
A picture of the author
I am a guy who is just over 40 and is sharing a journey of wellness and well-being. I am also a mental health professional with a wealth of years of experience in supporting individuals who have challenging mental illnesses and personality disorders.
Prior to my current professional role, I spent several years supporting members of the community as a fitness professional, assisting individuals with weight loss and health improvement programs.
I completed a PGDip in Mental Health Nursing in 2013, and an MSc in Advanced Practice in 2016 in which I looked at improving nurses’ level of engagement with patients with challenging personality disorders.
In 2018 I successfully undertook the Clinical Reasoning in Physical Assessments course, and in 2020 I commenced further training in Nurse Prescribing to train toward becoming an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and will be looking forward to supporting those in the community with mental health support and medicinal support.
In 2015 I also undertook a Mentorship for Practice (BSc Hons) course and have been supporting future nurses with their training and development. I have also recently supported a Healthcare Assistant Staff toward training in and successfully passing and achieving a Foundation Degree in Mental Health Nursing.
In my current role, I am a person looking to support the physical and mental health and well-being of the individual. Don’t think of me as a motivational coach or speaker. Think of me more as a wellness guide, as I use my mental health training and experience to suggest and advise ways to enhance your wellness and well-being. If you are struggling with your mental health though, please seek advice from a medical professional such as your GP.
I believe that it is a journey. It is a process. It will take time. But we will get there.
Remember: it’s a journey. It will take time. Have patience in the process. You will get there. Until then, stay happy, stay healthy, and have a lovely time wherever you are on the planet.
And remember: love yourself. And others.
