Why Walking Works
On my live last week when I was making my banana bread I got a question from one of you fabulous people. You asked for advice about your son who was studying too hard, stressed to the nines about his exams and, as a result, he wasn’t sleeping or eating well. 💔
What I said might have sounded simple. But sometimes simple is best.
I suggested that he get out of the house at least once a day for a walk. Either with headphones on listening to music or a podcast, or better yet, leaving the phone and giving yourself the space of being present only to your walk.
Being on call as a parent, or a teen who thinks he might be missing out on a text/snapchat, takes us out of the present. It interrupts the flow of just walking without doing 85 million other things.
We could all use that quiet time away from pings and social media notifications. Our brains need the rest too.
Anxiety Notices Too Much
Anxious people tend to be bright. They notice all the things. It’s often hard to switch off. And I am sure this lad who is studying for his exams is probably bright, maybe even a perfectionist.
The problem with perfectionism is that you are never enough. There’s always something more than 100%.
Like 110%.
But this isn’t real life. Real life means doing your best, controlling what you can control, and letting go of what you can't.
Easier said than done, I know, but I think it’s worth trying to get this balance.
Keep It Simple
Are you getting fresh air daily? Even a small walk at lunch improves your mood
Sleep- are you getting at least 8 hours?
Bedtime- are you staying up late scrolling in bed?🙋🏼♀️ Keeping your bedroom a place of calm and rest instead of another extension of your work can help- even if you do your homework in your room you can have a basket to carry all your work so that you can put it away when your day is done. This signals the end of the day- an important boundary
Food- are you eating good nutritious food? Are you rushing through meals? Skipping meals or overeating are both signs of poor coping. Your brain is a calorie burning machine- make sure to feed it well!
Walk the Talk
Going for a walk helps get the blood flowing which we know is good for cardiovascular health. Walking also helps your digestion. Now that there’s a stretch in the evening, a walk after dinner can work wonders. And if you have company- even better.
A problem shared is a problem halved. Maybe organise a walking buddy as a regular date. Talking things out with a friend or family member is easier when you’re in a neutral space. Nothing guarantees uncomfortable silence more than a formal declaration of: We need to talk!😐
Walking with a friend, or even as a walking group can help build better communities. Building better communities invests in your feeling of belonging, making you feel less isolated. There are many organised walking programmes you can join as well, like Woodlandsforhealth - Coillte
We live such busy lives shuttling between the duties of life, having a simple walk can ground us again.
Where’s My Charger?
AND walking doesn’t require a charger. Hallelujah! I keep losing mine (or they get nicked….)
Walking is a win-win for me. Clear the mind, grab a friend, or just go for a wander yourself in a beautiful park.
A natural remedy that doesn't require a prescription. Ah… I feel better already
Laura X
