by Bundy P
Member since:
June 25, 2007

Take a Hike!

October 08, 2007 02:19 PM EDT
views: 105 | comments: 63

I'm sure we've all gone through periods of depression and sadness - I know I have.  Once, when speaking with a doctor, he suggested I get up and take a walk.  Walking releases endorphins which can lift your spirits.  I doubted walking would help the way I was feeling, but I decided I'd prove him wrong and walk for 15 minutes.  Sure enough, the more I walked, especially outside in the sun, the better I felt.

Walking not only gave me more energy, but it allowed me to work problems out in my head more logically, for some reason.  It's a practice I still follow today.
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Comments: 63

Μόףףý ● ķ ~ Oct 8, 2007, 2:20pm EDT
I know after a 20 minute walk on my treadmill I feel happier...it definately does help more than just your muscles.
Danielle P. Oct 8, 2007, 2:21pm EDT
I love to walk. I think I am going now...catch up with you later. :)
Alison H. Oct 8, 2007, 2:21pm EDT
Great advice! Exercise or walking definitely helps keep me feeling up.
Matt O. Oct 8, 2007, 2:21pm EDT
I'm a daily walker/hiker. When I don't get out for at least 20 minutes then I'm a crank all day!
JoAnne D. Oct 8, 2007, 2:22pm EDT
I only heard that once when someone wanted to get rid of someone, maybe it is good advice.
Μόףףý ● ķ ~ Oct 8, 2007, 2:23pm EDT
LOL JoAnne.
I know it works like a charm!when I lived in Ft Lauderdale I would walk the beach figuring out things and decompressing!
Elaine M. Oct 8, 2007, 2:28pm EDT
The sunshine also helps your body produce Vitamin D, so walks are good in more ways than one!
Eric C. Oct 8, 2007, 2:28pm EDT
Really great advice. In fact, when in slumps or bouts of depression, it's best to look at the physical behavior of people (or yourself) when not in a depressed state. Good posture, a brisk, confident walk. It sounds silly, but doing this physical actions on the outside really translates within and affects your mood!!

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Yvonne F. Oct 8, 2007, 2:29pm EDT
It's a tried and tested way to lift depression if you are able to walk. Also have you tried this during your walk, walk at a normal pace for around 10 mins then do a power walk for 5 mins then go back to normal pace, do it 2-3 times it really lifts the heart rate and stops you getting sluggish.
donna h. Oct 8, 2007, 2:31pm EDT
good advice
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Oct 8, 2007, 2:35pm EDT
that is so true.
Heather W. Oct 8, 2007, 2:35pm EDT
Walking is truly therapeutic for the mind body and soul! You should join us over at Take A Walk With Me and post some things you find on your walks :)
Jerry Owens Oct 8, 2007, 2:37pm EDT
Agree with you 100%. The more I walk the better I feel.
Elaine B. Oct 8, 2007, 2:47pm EDT
I love to walk. Thanks for the helpful advice.
Jerry S. Oct 8, 2007, 2:51pm EDT
Nothing like a hike to clear the cob webs out of the brain. I like walking on a beach or near some body of water.
micky d. Oct 8, 2007, 2:53pm EDT
I used to walk loved it, unfortunately a bad knee forced me to stop. I know volunteer at a childrens hospital and my spirts are always high. Could someone tell me why delete or remove will appear under my comment, especially when it only appears under my comment.
Vivian P. Oct 8, 2007, 2:58pm EDT
it is true any form of exercise works ! That is why I feel my workouts are a mine time
Jean, just the teensiest bit odd, F. Oct 8, 2007, 3:00pm EDT
When I was a teenager and my mother and I would have arguments, I used to go for long, brisk walks and, by the time I came back home, my temper would be much calmer... So, I know it works!
Susan Roberts Oct 8, 2007, 3:04pm EDT
I love to walk. My knee acts up sometimes and it can be painful, but I still like to walk. I also love to go to the mall and walk and sit down and watch people.
Wilma M. Oct 8, 2007, 3:09pm EDT
Walking really does help your spirits. Since my car accident on Sept 12th, I get dizzy so easily, I cannot walk anywhere at all.
Mel B. Oct 8, 2007, 3:10pm EDT
Absolutely - Great advice! I 100% agree, a combination of the walking and sun makes you a much happier healther person.
Nancy S. Oct 8, 2007, 3:12pm EDT
I was having trouble sleeping and my blood pressure went up. Doc told me to walk for half an hour each day. It seems to be helping.
Susan E. Oct 8, 2007, 3:24pm EDT
Yes, but without the pills, I wouldn't be able to get up and take that walk every day. It's a mixed bag. Thankfully, Opus won't let me be a vegetable all day long.
CyberGwen ! Oct 8, 2007, 3:34pm EDT
I avoid it like the plague, but I must admit, when I get out there on the beach, I feel better:)
Donald M. Oct 8, 2007, 3:38pm EDT
I never thought about it before. Since I hit the floor running every morning, to get kids off and everything they need taken care of, walked at work everyday all day long. then came in running, to cook, clean, and get everyone through baths and bedtime. I only felt like lying down and sleeping.
But when I didnt work and had a lot of acid reflux, the Dr. said walk 20 minutes after you have eaten. If you have to just go around the house walking, before you sit down. it certainly did help the pain of acid reflux.
Sheila Deeth Oct 8, 2007, 3:42pm EDT
I walk the dog many times a day. Seems to be good for me and her.
Angella *ThePilatesLounge.com* H. Oct 8, 2007, 4:19pm EDT
This is so true- Exercise gets the endorphins going- especially walking outside-fresh air always gives you a little boost
james r. Oct 8, 2007, 4:55pm EDT
there have been studies showing the effects of sunlight (uv rays ) on mental health, and the endorphins that release are the smae as the ones that are released when you smoke pot.
Cristina S. Oct 8, 2007, 5:10pm EDT
Good article!
I love taking walks, and it always makes me feel good!
Melinda ~choosing happiness~ S. Oct 8, 2007, 5:13pm EDT
More than anything else I miss being able to go for a walk- so when you guys are out there walking, take a couple extra steps for those of us who can't.
Shawn M. Oct 8, 2007, 5:24pm EDT
kudos
Renae O. Oct 8, 2007, 5:40pm EDT
I love to walk and it always keeps me sane. Thanks for sharing.
golds g. Oct 8, 2007, 6:14pm EDT
thats good to know
Jennifer N. Oct 8, 2007, 6:16pm EDT
Walking is nice... when you HAVE a place to walk. :(

(I live on the corner of a country road and a 4-lane interstate highway..)

So much for walking.
Larry H. Oct 8, 2007, 7:04pm EDT
thanks for sharing..
Nanina Hawk Oct 8, 2007, 7:08pm EDT
That is why winter is not my favorite season. But my dogs keep me walking year a round.
Angela P. Oct 8, 2007, 7:15pm EDT
Don't you just love those endorphins when they kick in?
JoAnn C. Oct 8, 2007, 7:49pm EDT
good article. I need to walk more.
Terri S. Oct 8, 2007, 8:41pm EDT
eXcellent post I wish I could find more time to walk I really enjoy it !
Robb F. Oct 8, 2007, 9:15pm EDT
Bundy,
That's exactly one of the first and simplest actions for combatting depression. Between the two of us, out of every day since K-Day, Aug. 29, 2003, for me this has been the most difficult. So given the above suggestion, I probably need to take a run about the length of the one Forrest Gump took when one day he "felt like runnin'."
denise e Oct 8, 2007, 9:24pm EDT
walking is a great way to relax
Dave J. Oct 8, 2007, 9:50pm EDT
Good advice. The physical activity will give you mind a chance to focus on something else rather than be fixated with what is disturbing it. The walk allows one to feel and see the sunshine and all the wonderful sights the world lays before us for our inspection. You never know what you will find looking anew at what you think is familar ground.
Sue * Oct 8, 2007, 10:58pm EDT
This is advice I need to take right now (it also might help with the vacation pounds).
Brenda (square peg in a round hole) H. Oct 8, 2007, 11:02pm EDT
Good idea. I'v got to get back into walking again.
Beaker (just Beaker) Oct 8, 2007, 11:26pm EDT
I started walking every day when I had an hour off between classes, just strolling around campus, and by the end of the school year I was in much better shape! I brought a pair of sneakers to change into, otherwise I would never have made it.
Rebekka S. Oct 8, 2007, 11:36pm EDT
I like to walk but when my fibromyalgia flares up, it's too painful for me to take walks.
Steph-in-NE ..... Oct 9, 2007, 12:10am EDT
I cant walk to far, due to my health,, I cant go alone, and no one around here most days.. I do woalk up and down the alley which is about 1/2 block and to the mail box,
my hubby and I go in the eveing, sometime when I feel up to it
Sue D. Oct 9, 2007, 12:48am EDT
I walk almost every day. I started it to relieve stress. It really helps.
I agree it is the best thing to cure the blues! It's also great to combat anger, or clear your mind and put things in perspective!
Linda K. Oct 9, 2007, 2:56am EDT
I just had one of the best walks today! So invigorating and inspiring! I love the way you're able to get so many people engaged in this conversation. Great post!
Leah A. Oct 9, 2007, 9:47am EDT
Not only does it help depression but it helps with anger, too. When I was a kid and would get mad, my mother would make me run or walk around the block. It would annoy me more at first, but by the time I got back home, I'd forgotten why I was angry in the first place (we lived in the country, so the block was about a mile). Plus, you get the cardiovascular, muscular, and calorie burning advantages. Good article.
William M. Oct 9, 2007, 1:11pm EDT
The exercise from walking is great. Just getting outdoors helps me.
Bundy P Oct 10, 2007, 11:55am EDT
Moggy, you got that right!

Danielle, have a good walk!

Alison, that's true!

Matt, me too!

JoAnne...LOL!

Amy, thanks!

Jules, the beach does wonders!

Elaine, another good reason to walk in the sunshine!

Eric, you're absolutely right!

Yvonne, more great advice!

Thanks, Donna, Joseph, and Melissa!

Heather, thanks for the invitation!

Jerry and Elaine, thank you!

Jerry, me too!

Micky, I'm glad you're blessed with high spirits.

Vivian, I agree with you.

Jean, I've done that myself!

Susan, people watching is fun, too!

Wilma, I'm sorry to hear that.

Thanks, Mel!

Nancy, it does help with my sleep, as well!

Tinch, I'm glad you have a little companion!

Susan, hang in there...
Otelia S. Oct 10, 2007, 6:02pm EDT
Way 2 Go!
I'm a walker too.
Bundy P Oct 10, 2007, 7:15pm EDT
Gwen, you should do it more often!

Donald, there ya go!

Sheila, good job!

Angella, you're absolutely right!
Bundy P Oct 10, 2007, 9:31pm EDT
And it's not illegal, James!

Me too, Cristina.

Melinda, will do.

Shawn, thanks.

Anna, sometimes I have to make time...

Renae and Reena, you're welcome!

Golds, thanks

Jennifer, is the country road walkable?

Larry, thanks for stopping by.

Nanina, dogs know no season...LOL!

Angela, yes I do!

JoAnn and Terri - we all need to walk more!

Robb, I feel like that, too!

Denise, you're right.

Dave, I totally agree!

Sue, that works for me!

Brenda, go for it!

JK, I was in great shape when I walked everywhere in college!

Rebekka, I hope you get to walk on your good days!

Stephanie, every little bit helps!

Sue, it does help!

Krissy, it works for me!

Linda, that's great!

Leah, you're absolutely right!

William, I agree!

Kirk, I'm sorry to hear that...

Otelia, right on!
Bundy P Oct 15, 2007, 9:10am EDT
You're right, Mar!
Margaret G. Oct 30, 2007, 8:18pm EDT
I try to walk everyday. At work, I walk to the furthest restroom a couple of times a day.

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