A Natural Stress Reliever
There is a simple solution to cleaning out those cobwebs, leaving your mind calm and relaxed. Therefore making it much easier to tolerate those little things that can bug you to death. Almost anyone can do it and you don't need a lot of money to get started. The main thing you need is the will power to do it. Yes, it's that simple.
Walking is an exercise that's great for both mind and body. I have been so stressed at times that I felt like I was going to explode, but going for a walk in the fresh air and sun done wonders for my problems. I still had my problems, but they didn't bother me as much. I was more able to deal with them, instead of them dealing with me. The troubled fabric of my wrinkled mind had been ironed out. It's no surprise that sometimes I've worked out a solution or have a better idea how to work it out.
How does walking or any aerobic exercise help make your mind calm and refreshed? While you're outdoors, feeling the wind blowing on your face along with the warmth of the sun, your feet making contact with the pavement and enjoying the scenery (nice neighborhoods with manicured lawns, squirrels scampering and chattering, birds chirping) a chemical is being released in your brain. It's the same chemical that's released when you take antidepressants. It's called Serotonin.
In addition to having a calming effect on your mind, walking is a great way to reduce your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, tone up your legs and strengthen the cardiovascular system. All leading back to feeling good about yourself.
For me, the hardest part is getting out the door. I can make all kinds of excuses to stay inside. These are just a few of them: The weather is too hot or cold; what will people think?; I don't feel like it.
Let's take a closer look at these excuses. There is nothing that can be done about the weather, except try to pick a time of day when the temperature is more comfortable. The times I don't feel like it and make myself go anyway, I usually end up feeling better. What will people think? To be honest, probably nothing. They are too busy with their own lives to give much attention to what I'm doing. If they do notice what I'm doing, what they see is nothing unusual. People walk everyday for exercise. In fact, it could be a great way to meet new friends.
As for getting out the door, sometimes it's best to remember the old Nike commercial that said "Just do it". Stop thinking about why it shouldn't be done and get out the door and keep going. It's not easy for me to stop thinking and do it, but I know I can. I've done it in the past. I've found the effort is well worth it.
