Walk your stress out!

We at MetaMind Therapies need a break too, so we decided to go hill walking this weekend in Derbyshire (near Edale and Castleton). 

Enjoying the view...

 

...behind me...

                                                     

...onwards and upwards!

 
 Well what can I say... The weather was beautiful (starting to get a bit chilly now but not cold!), the sun was shinning and the whole team had a great day in the Derbyshire dales!

Most of us feel good after exercise, and it's probably not from endorphins. Physical exercise is good for our mental health and for our brains. Some of my clients say "Oh well, I don't have time to go to the gym.." or "I am too tired to do anything..." or simply "I can't be bothered..." 

I explain to them that if they are stuck in a concrete jungle all day at work, they will be amazed at how quickly a walk in a nice green park near home or work will make them feel better! Just enjoying the trees, flowers and birds - even sitting on the grass for a bit and looking at the sky.

Walking helps to manage your stress and gives you time to think, as well as time to get away from stressors. Getting out of the stressful environment, breathing the air, and feeling your body move is natural stress-relief. Other ways walking can relieve stress:

• Creates a distance between you and the stress-causing environment.
• Observe the environment around you; enjoy the trees, flowers, birds, gardens, sky, storefronts.
• Feel your body in motion and reconnect with yourself.
• Wear off stress-eating calories.
• Take time to work through problems and possible solutions as you walk.
• Talk and laugh with your walking partner to relieve the stress.
• See that there is more to life than your problems.
• Lower your blood pressure and your heart health risk, which can be increased by stress.

Wish a good week to all my readers and clients! Let's get out there for some exercise!

Costa