The Joy’s of a Good Walk.

It seems like many people are enjoying going out for their daily walk since being in Lockdown over the past few months, I know I certainly have.

I used to walk the streets a lot as a youngster and before I had a car, walking absolutely everywhere. When I lived in London and when I think of any holiday that I have been on, what comes to mind is how much I have loved exploring places on foot.

I have now just gotten back from walking and grabbing a coffee and some produce from one of my local cafes that has become a mini supermarket during lockdown in Melbourne.

It really has been one of the positive things about the pandemic. to see everyone out and about on foot, myself included and getting some fresh air, exercise, and outdoor vibes. It really has been one of my highlights to get out each day and rejuvenate.

I must say I haven’t been doing a great deal of exercise compared to what I would normally but I have consistently walked almost everyday and the few times I haven’t I have felt like I am confined and also mentally anyway, it really helps my mind as well.

As mentioned my other forms of exercise have dropped off at the moment. I have been doing a bit of online Yin Yoga and a few other sessions here and there on my Cenr app but my cardio and weights sessions have taken a back seat.

I actually don’t mind though as I have been really loving getting back into walking for pleasure and purpose (eg. sneaking in a take away coffee each day), I do love the cafe scene so still getting my little fix daily.

What has been important for me is to listen to my body and mind and not beat myself up about what I may not be doing, which I really don’t do too much as I have been consistently exercising for a long time now. However the reason I do keep it up is because I do feel fantastic afterwards, both in body, but particularly mind.

For me that is what is important right now to do the things that help me stay relaxed, calm and connected.

Being out in nature and looking at all the nice houses around my area and visiting the local parks of which I have discovered more of, has been great and something I have really enjoyed and look forward to each day. Also connecting with the local shop owners and strangers, more about that in social connection and the power of eye contact and these short social interactions towards our well-being. Particularly even more so now we are out less often and wearing masks.

Working with many scholars with expertise in the environment and it’s impact on our health I would often see research about the impacts of green space on our mental health. While I was not one to sit down and read all the research papers, I would often glance at the beginning and the summary’s at the end and the research suggests it is important to our mental health.

I think I personally have always known this and I can recall such enjoyment from walking through and around beautiful parks and green space particularly in London when I lived there it was so great to visit beautiful gardens and green areas usually with umbrella raised, it didnt stop us getting our green fix and enjoying these different, beautiful and vibrant outdoor spaces.

The Joy’s of a Good Walk.