As we move nearer to Spring - (hopefully!), outdoor exercise becomes more popular.
Snowdrops are plentiful this month
Socialising and exercising can take many forms and is good on the whole for mental health and well being. Since working from home now for nearly seven years, I spend a lot of time on my own staring at a screen trying to think up new ideas and posts to publish on the website.
Mr Larkin at The Quarry near to where I live
After lunch though, I always go for a walk come rain or shine. It does wonders for seretonin levels. If my neighbour Chris is free, we often go together and put the world to rights. Her dog Mr Larkin always joins us. There is frequently something new for dogs to see and sniff and a chance to be let off the lead if possible. We humans also notice the trees and hedgerows and how they change throughout the seasons.
Flooding at Rotherwas
We have had lots of rain over the last few months in the UK and Hereford itself saw many areas flooded. A chance to splash about for me! The Rotherwas bridge can be used by walkers and cyclists alike. Once you have crossed it, turn left to walk along the river bank or right to take the paths to various areas and factories on Roherwas Trading Estates.
River Wye looking peaceful and calm
A super walk in Hereford on a sunny day is to go to the Castle Green and walk along the riverside. Go over the Victoria Bridge and see lovely views.
River Wye near Hampton Bishop
River Wye near Hampton Bishop
Just missed a butterfly said Chris!
I live fairly near Hampton Bishop, about three miles away and not far from me is a good walk along the river bank that brings you to the Bunch Of Carrots at Hampton Bishop. You can either walk along the top bank or alongside the river itself. Be aware though that this can get very muddy and not always easily accessible.
Area of Hereford and the River Wye near where I live.
Whenever Derek and I go away for a few days or even just for a day trip, walking is always involved. This can be at the seaside or in the countryside.
A stormy day at Caswell Hill, Swansea
Blown away on top of the Long Mynd!
I joined a gym many years ago and went every week for two years. I would pound a treadmill, lift weights, walk up an imaginary hill on a cross trainer, and so on. It paid off with me regaining my waist that I had lost over the last ten years. I also lost over a stone in weight. Then one day when I was there, I hurt my shoulder and I mean hurt. It was just one of those unfortunate incidences where I twisted my arm on some strange sounding machine that strengthens ones arms. I stopped going to the gym and was advised to rest. To this day, I am often in pain in my upper arm and I haven't been back to a gym since. So my overall opinion of gyms is yes, so long as you are VERY careful, but NOT if you end up with chronic pain!
Of course walking is not for everyone if you have health or mobility issues. If a friend or neighbour can assist you in various ways, do try and get out in the fresh air if you can. Vitamin D from the sun is also very important and most of us don't need to be out for very long to accumilate sufficient levels.
Sturdy walking boots, shoes or wellingtons are a definite advantage! Happy walking!!
