Walking can change your life? Wow, that is a big claim. But I believe it to be true and studies have shown the many benefits. But how can it change your life?
I started walking regularly for my exercise back in the mid-1970’s. I did some running, until I got pregnant and then I stopped running at 7 months. After having my daughter, my exercise consisted of loading her up on my chest and hitting the pavement. I was able to quickly lose the weight and I avoided post-partum depression.
I have always been health conscious, but I did not enjoy the weight gain with pregnancy and I was anxious to get it off. When I went back to work full-time, I walked on my breaks and at lunch time. I even walked the building, if it was too hot or the weather was inclement. I did not have child care after I got home, so I had to do it during the day. People got used to seeing me with my sneakers on.
This practice continued until I got very sick and was diagnosed with mononeucleosis and then 2 years later, Chronic Epstein Barr Virus Syndrome. I was sick for several months at a time and the fatigue was overwhelming. But I knew that the only way I could build my strength back up and take care of my daughter was to get moving, so I did it a little at a time. First to the mailbox, then to the corner stop sign. Gradually working up to 30-40 minutes.
I did have to pace myself. By that I mean I recognized on the days that I was over-tired, I would do just a little bit. But I did something. I learned there were some days, I just had to rest. It was and still is, part of my daily lifestyle. Sometime I just march in place in front of the TV, although I prefer being outside.
I went through some difficult divorces and depression and anxiety after my mother died. I continued to walk, even though some days I truly did not want to leave the house. I know the walking helped pull me out of the pit.
Maybe you have chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, lupus or another autoimmune disorder. Maybe you want to lose a few pounds. Maybe the doctor has said you have got to exercise. Maybe you want to step up your game at work. Maybe you need a little encouragement. I am here to do that. You have got to move and walking is the easiest way to do it.
Here are some great reasons to start walking:
- It’s the most convenient. A few steps here and there add up. If you aren’t walking now, start slow and work your way up. Put on your shoes and walk the neighborhood.
- The mental health benefits are a fact. Walking (and exercise) is a natural anti-depressant. It changes your brain with the good stuff like dopamine. Without drugs.
- The physical benefits are many. Stronger bones, more flexibility, strengthening your heart and lungs and more. No doubt about it.
- Speaking of your brain, walking can help you come up with creative ideas. It gets your mind off of where you are stuck. Walking in new surroundings makes your mind wake up with new information.
- If you are wondering how in the world you are going to start and add more steps to your day, pick something you are already doing, like going for lunch or coffee. Make it a farther away walk. Park farther away from the store. Every step adds up.
- Stand up at least once an hour at work. Take a bathroom or head clearing break. More steps and a break for your mind.
Believe me, you can do this!! You can walk a little more every day without it overwhelming you. If you have an iphone, there is a Health app on it that tracks your steps automatically. There are many apps for your phone and also you can be more sophisticated with a FitBit. Or less with a pedometer.
The Mayo Clinic says work up to 10,000 steps a day – I say start where you are and work your way up.
You want to be more successful, happier, and healthier, right? Start walking to change your life today!
Note: Some of the information in this post came from a podcast I heard on the Mind Your Business podcast with James Whedmore when he was interviewing Derek Halpern, successful online business specialist. Thanks, guys!
http://mindyourbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/22/
If you would like help in getting started with your walking and living a healthier lifestyle, contact me here.
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.