Physical health is so important to us all and if you’re like me, you have probably at some point in your life taken it for granted. Yes, there will come a day when your joints and bones just don’t work like they used to, metabolism slows down and you just feel old. Dwell on that for a while or get moving to a happy and healthier you.
If your body isn’t up to running or doing high intensity work outs, start off slow, literally. Ever heard of taking a stroll in the park? It does wonders for improving both physical stamina and mental health. After my hip replacement and with the encouragement of friends, I started walking purposefully every day. My initial attempt at walking for physical health looked and sounded like huffing and puffing after walking less than a quarter of a mile. I started in my neighborhood but there were too many distractions and the proximity of my house made it too easy to cut my walks short. I thought I might try and use the gym membership that I’ve had for years and rarely use. When I asked a trainer about walking on the treadmill, he flat out asked me why in the world I would walk on a treadmill when I have the beautiful outdoors at my fingertips? Thanks to him, I now see the value of not only walking, but the benefits of walking surrounded by nature.
“The path is a visual reminder of the curves, twists and turns that life throws at us”
I stumbled upon a beautiful walking path at a nearby park, which has since become my place to walk off the stress of the day (or if it’s in the morning, to kick start my day). I initially armed myself with music and earphones to help with motivation. It seemed to work out, but carrying that iPhone made it too easy to check emails, answer phone calls and scroll through Facebook. Don’t get me wrong, I am pretty good at multitasking, but when it comes to my health, should I really be multitasking?
A friend posts regularly on Facebook about being present and purposeful. I have other friends who talk about mindfulness. Focused, attentive, fixated, and alert. How could I possibly be these things (which I had decided I was going to be) when I was walking a nature trail wearing ear buds, listening to a music playlist while simultaneously answering work emails and responding to situations over the phone?
Put your cell phones down, people! We have been given the gift of many different senses so let’s use them in our natural environment! I now listen for the birds and notice their different calls back and forth. The trees and colors are absolutely amazing to look at. The path is a visual reminder of the curves, twists and turns that life throws at us. Pay attention to those things. Use the senses that are unique to you. They matter. The squirrels run up to the path in hopes that they will get peanuts, and the smell of fresh air is inviting to say the least. Thirty minutes a day, minimum. 30 minutes out of a 24-hour day for you and nature to meet. Can’t beat that!
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