Some of you may have read my earlier article on psychosomatic pain. In order to combat this current situation, I need a major endorphin boost.
I used to be a runner, running between 7 and 10 miles every other day. I'd like to be a runner again. So, I've started walking.
Walking may be as far as I get, but at least it will get me out of the house and into nature.
I'd like to share some photos with you that I just took.
After waking .10 of a mile (the length of my drive) I turn left and start up the hill. My goal is the water tower just on the other side of the hill.
I took two quick photos and concentrated on my walking. Due to a year and a half of mystery illness, I am incredibly out of shape.
Wait. That's not true. Round is a shape, after all
While I walk, I listen to an audiobook. I learned while I was running, that music will change my pace, which isn't always a good thing, especially when I was distance running.
Currently, I'm listening to Where the Crawdads Sing by Della Owens.
Once I made it over the hill and pay the water tower, I turned right. Walked a block and turned right again. Walked another block and made my final right turn, putting me back on the highway leading to my house.
By now I was already pretty tired and slowing down. So I stopped every few feet and took photos!
The clouds were getting darker and I was honestly worried I might get caught in the rain. I didn't, but it was close.
It was extremely humid and I was regretting my decision at this point. I definitely wasn't feeling any endorphins!
I was able to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings, though. And I just kept reminding myself this excursion was both for my physical as well as mental health.
Grabbing back down the hill, I could see my driveway on the right. It's the one with the bridge. Almost home! But oh, boy! Was I huffing and puffing at this point. And getting hungry!
I kept passing these clumps of tiny white flowers.
Still huffing and puffing down the house, two more photos and I was home.
This entire walk, with a few moments stolen for photos, took me about 45 minutes from front door to front door.
And now I'm hungry. I'm snacking on homegrown carrots and store bought hummus with a litter of water!
I really need to walk this route daily. I may need to start out thrice weekly. And then slowly add distance. If I can accomplish this, it is probable I can lift some of my anxiety and also stop taking the medication with the muscle and joint pain side effect.
Y'all need to root me on!
I hope to publish a little exercise journal for accountability and encouragement.
Indeed that nature can makes us feel relax and feel better. It helps to increase pleasant feelings. Its good to know that you have such a nice place to walk and do your exercise there. Continue doing it for it is good to yourself :) hope you feel better from time to time.