Example of how I feed my head in healthy way
Hi all, In 76 years I have never been able to create a routine, something vital in these weird Covid times. But I started a program of walking ( stay with me - it's not what you think!) that is working to not only elevate my mood, but make me physically stronger and helping me lose weight. I live eleven mile from my small town, each mile signed with a green metal mile marker. I've driven this 22 mile round trip for 30 years but saw very little of the world beyond the asphalt. So my goal is to walk "to town and back" one mile at a time. I park my car on the side of the road, walk halfway to the next mile marker on one side, then cross the highway (61 by Lake Superior) and walk back on the other side. Being a scavenger, I've found a bunch of cool stuff on the ground and seen streams I never knew were there (photo below), met a dog named Zeke and snagged 24 feet of yellow crime scene tape to drape on my garden scarecrow. And I take pictures to remember my quest and post the progress on Facebook. The latter is a sneaky ploy to keep me accountable. I've lost six pounds, sleep fabulously and am far less distracted and moody. This and my weekly Zoom AA meeting are working for me.
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Hi @mothergoose76. What a great new habit to form. You are correct, routines are essential during these weird Covid times. I find that if I don't stick to the routines I currently do on a daily basis, everything else starts to break down along with it. I have also added your discussion to the Healthy Living Group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/healthy-living/) because I think it is important to share your healthy living victory with people that are also trying to find new routines and stay active during this time. Do you think you will increase the distance that you walk or is it more about the adventure for you? What was your favorite discovery so far?
Wow, you inspire me. What a beautiful place to walk. I definitely need to make a trip to North Shore again when it is safe to travel.
Laurie
Thank you for sharing! This is a beautiful way to take care of your mind and body. And WOW - what an enviable place to get to walk!
It is beautiful to be sure. Even in the rain today.
Hi Amanda, Thanks for the feedback. I would love to increase my distance as my body adjusts. I have a back condition and a snapped tendon in one ankle and have to be careful. The adventure is a big part of the walk, though. To increase my exercise I use a stationary bike (which I hate) while watching a movie on my iPad. As for my favorite discovery so far, it would have to be the 24 feet of bright yellow crime scene tape, defined to be draped on my scarecrow this summer to keep deer out of my "Co-Victory Garden."The photo below is not the scarecrow. It's me.
Actually, doing a daily walk like this could be done anywhere. The point is to notice the ground, the eye-level details one misses while passing in a vehicle. Fallen leaves, tiny flowers sticking through cracks in a sidewalk, facades of homes and the sounds and smells of the world are all part of the deal. Today, the deal is rain. Wish me luck!
@mothergoose76 I love your attitude and your spirit! Please continue to share updates with us and I would like to encourage others to share as well. I only walk the dog around the neighborhood, but if I come across any treasures I will post!
Hi @mothergoose76 Wanted to check in and see how you were doing with your walking adventures?
I love your attitude as well. I take two walks a day. Since I live in Florida, my first walk is in the morning before the temperature goes above 75 degrees. And my second walk is in the evening after 7:30 when the sun is about to set. My walks have become a spiritual exercise discovering some of the Creators handiworks. I came across some tall grass that seem to have some stems with a slight bulb at the tip. I took a picture of the patch and proceeded to take subsequent pictures as the days past. One day on my walk I found that the tips had blossomed into little white flowers. What a treat. Here is a before and after of my discovery:
This is the before photo which didn’t come up before. Sorry about that.
I had to temporarily suspend the road walks due to the worst allergy season ever. I think that anxiety over the uncertainty we all face has weakened my immune system. So I finished a large wall hanging and began knitting a nursing shawl for a friend’s daughter-in-law. I wish that I had better news, but in my life with Clini-D I count the lessons learned in times of struggle most valuable in the long run. Resilience, acceptance and rest are my mantras. Oh,and non-sedating OTC allergy meds!