Walk Away and Work It Out!
Tap in to your own natural ability to look and feel great. Physically, mentally and emotionally this is your call to action.
It’s not a secret, nor should it be that exercise and activity have a powerful benefit on our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The study and research of exercise and nutrition has continued to grow worldwide over the past twenty years. The media focus appears to be on weight loss, how to get the bikini body and what diets and exercise routines our favourite sports stars are following to get them in tip top shape. Other hugely important benefits include positive changes to mood states, feelings of wellbeing and social inclusion. The simple proof of this is something that we can all vouch for.
As human beings we are amazingly designed for movement and physical challenges. If our ancestors had sat behind desks or watched TV for hours every day chances are you and I would not be here today. We evolved on the move and the fact is we are doing less and less. Even our children have less freedom and resources to play and exercise in what should be a totally natural and essential part of growing up. While the school curriculum recognizes the benefits of including PE and sports programmes, it has to be limited in line with costs and teaching time available for other academic subjects. Education is a driver of modern economies and valuable school time diverted from academic studies is not always possible. It is up to us as individuals, parents and educators to lead the way.
Studies have shown that as little as fifteen minutes per day of brisk walking can change the way we look and feel about ourselves and our capacity to deal with everyday stress. That’s thanks to all the happy hormones working their magic. Best of all, it costs absolutely nothing, zero, nada. Now, we are not talking here about weight loss or training for the next Olympics. Just straight forward one foot in front of the other, get a bit of a sweat going but still be able to hold a conversation without being breathless. Add on a few extra minutes and you really are going places. Even better still, hook up with a neighbour or friend and get going. No matter what you choose to do it is going to be of benefit, either alone or with company. You can decide to plan your walk into your daily routine or walk with a purpose to get to work or go shopping. There are no rules. How refreshing. As long as you have a decent pair of walking shoes and dress for the weather you are good to go. Keep your own safety in mind if you are out and about on busy roads and of course be visible at night. Walking groups are great fun and a great way to meet like-minded people. The chatter and the endorphins will soon be flying. It feels great just to get out of your own head for a while and connect with your physical body and your surroundings.
Why not take a trip to the local pay as you go gym, pool or community centre and get all the help you need within a safe and friendly environment? With a variety of classes and courses available you would be walking your way into a whole new lease of life. Oh, and by the way, this motivation and will power thingy that people go on about. Makes you feel a bit left out when they all seem to have loads of it and you don’t. Well, surprise surprise. Motivation can come and go like the Irish summer. Don’t rely on it. Success comes down to good old fashioned DISCIPLINE. Nothing else, it’s that simple. Some days you feel great, full of energy ready to go. Other days well, just get out and do it. You will defiantly feel better by the time you finish.
My own personal appreciation of the simple benefits of walking comes from years of experience as a health and fitness consultant working within a corporate environment. Each day I preach a message to the already converted. Together we revel in the benefits that exercise has had for us on a personal level as well as discuss any other goals that we are gearing up towards. What really got me singing the praises once again of walking was my own brush with the blues. Fitness for me is a way of life but I got a bit caught up in the performance and stopped enjoying it just for me. It was during a time of enormous personal stress that I had no choice but to cut back on my other fitness activities and revert simply to walking and cycling to commute. The results were instant. I started to think better, I found a focus again just for me. Some of my best ideas and moments of clarity have been either on my bike or walking the dog. My sleeping went back to normal and once again I could appreciate all the incredible gifts I have in my life.
I have been able to use this experience to validate the masses of research that promotes physical activity as a means to treat depression and other physical and mental conditions. Personally, I prefer to exercise outdoors because I get an extra benefit from being in touch with my more earthy instincts. Everyone is different so be resourceful.
So, if you are feeling a little under pressure with work or life in general my top tip for any age and any level of fitness is to walk away and work it out. Each step is moving you closer and closer to where you want to be. Making physical activity and exercise a lifestyle choice is an incredibly simple and rewarding decision. This is your call to action which will benefit not just you but all those around you.
In Fitness . In Health
