Happy New Year everyone and welcome to 2011! After all of the cookies, candy and gifting, I thought it would be nice to talk about walking. Yup, that’s right, walking.
Sounds kinda silly, doesn’t it? Walking? What does that have to do with recipes? Well, for me, walking has been one of the key recipes to recovering my health. Just a few years ago, a walk around the block was less exhilarating than exhausting. Everything was for that matter.
Over the past few years I’ve slowly built up my stamina. I remember being overjoyed one day when I was emptying the dishwasher and found that the process did not induce fatigue, relief surging through my veins, that I could again perform the most simple of chores without feeling tired!
The secret? Walking. I walked everyday. I started out just walking for 10 minutes once per day. Then, a few months later, I added in an additional 5 minute walk. Three months after that, I was walking 10 minutes twice a day. A couple of years later, I am now at the point where I can walk for more than an hour straight and feel great afterward.
Walking to me is like gardening. I walk almost the same path everyday, taking in the changes in various trees, bushes and flowers around me. I mentally garden my way through my neighborhood. It’s oh so peaceful and calming and just one more way that I stay in touch with the outdoors and the seasons.
Walking is free. Walking is healthy. Walking is anti-inflammatory (that’s right, it ultimately decreases inflammation in the body, according to my Dad). Walking calms my mind. Walking allows emptiness to fill me as I move through something much bigger than myself –the world, mother nature.
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So, if you’re looking for another New Year’s resolution, here’s one you just might try. It’s free –in so many ways. It’s walking.
What are your New Year’s resolutions? Leave a comment and let’s have a conversation about healthy living to kick off 2011.
Sherry Blanchard says
Fantastico! I thought I was the only person to garden my way around the neighborhood! I have found it so therapeutic.
Elana says
Sherry, walking is the best, isn’t it?!
Dionne Adamitis says
Thanks for the inspiration. God willing, I will start tomorrow! I have a walking buddy to help me stay with my commitment.
Just wondering, have you tried a detox? Cherie Calbom, MSN has a great one. I did it last year and I got back much energy. I need to do it again. It is surprising how much junk we have in our organs. You eat healthily, but there may be stuff in your body from befoe. Just a thought.
God bless you and big hugs from me!
Elana says
Dionne, thanks for another lovely comment! Yes, I do cleanses regularly :-)
Teresa Dunivent says
I am going to do Whole 39 again, and then go back to strict Paleo. I just had some more problems with my TSH that made my weight increase and all kinds of crazy side effects. They adjusted my meds, but I know that walking, meditation, yoga and above all food are my real tools for recovery. I am going to do my best and be mindful of those days my body is just needing some recovery time. One day at a time. That is my resolution.: honor where my body is at every day.
Elana says
Teresa, that’s perfect :-)
Leslie says
Oh my gosh! Thank you Elana! Your post has given me the directive I’ve needed. I try walking off and on, and ALWAYS end up having to stop because of what happens to my body. I stopped again as of a few ago, but I’m nearly recooperated and now I’ll do it differently. Instead of walking for 15 mins., 2-3 times a week then increasing to 20-30 a week or two later, then crashing, I’ll now take it way slower. How you did it will be how I do it now! Ten mins a day is better than over doing at 20 mins, then sitting on the couch for the next month! Thanks again!
Elana says
You’re welcome Leslie! Happy to help :-)
Beverly says
Thank you for sharing you gave me some insentive to start walking.
Elana says
You’re very welcome Beverly!
Leah Cauthron says
I walk to and from work every day that I work, 4 on 4 off. It is approximately 1.5 miles or a little more depending on the route I take. I absolutely love it. Time to either prepare for the day or decompress at the end of shift.
Sara says
I cannot walk for long without having my legs feel swollen. I can do other exercise that is much more difficult, and I am more tired afterwards but do not feel swollen. I don’t know what it is about walking, accept maybe it is the same motion over and over. Same thing happens when I stand.
cbs says
I have the same issue. Compression socks help with the swelling and standing. Also I walk in the mall so I can rest if I need to on a nearby bench.
Elana says
I’m enjoying this sharing of ideas and solutions :-)
Michika Driver says
Thank you so much for your comprehensive explanation of Ldn. It’s has been so helpful as I am looking for an alternative to the toxins that are being used for treatment for ms.
Gita says
Dear friends, Through Raja Yoga meditation (taught by the Brahma Kumaris) and its connected positive lifestyle and through a pure vegetarian diet, ill-health can be minimized. The removal of stress and tension has to be one of the most important advantages for a person who practices Rajyoga meditation.
Tucker says
I love our walks!!