Are you going out for walks during lock down?

[Whitegrapeandblackberry]

I haven't been out for a walk in almost 4 weeks, I'm so worried about it so I have stayed in with DD 2 years old but im wondering if I'm being silly and if I should go out for a walk a day?

I didn’t for the first few weeks. Not because I’m scared (I’m not) just because we have a nice garden and there wasn’t anything to “do” outside. Now we go out most days because DS is back into his scooter and I’m really enjoying going out.

Also a few local shops have re-opened, serving through hatches etc, so I’m starting to get back into the world. It feels good.

@13ClientQ my partner has a life limiting illness and a short walk on a deserted local beach in no way shape or form breaks her need to be safe. And gives her so so much!

@joystir59 yes if it helps, some people are choosing not to follow and especially if life limited illness. It's everyone's choice in the shielding group whether to or not, I'm just choosing not to go out

I think it helps to create an 'excuse' for a walk sometimes to try to make it more meaningful and let you feel as if you have a purpose!
Ideas include:

• spotting rainbows in windows & chalk messages to NHS
• picking up essentials from a local store
• posting a card or letter to elderly relatives
• dropping something off e.g. a book at a friend's doorstep, or items into a foodbank box
• trying to 'spot' something e.g. bluebells, yellow flowers, items beginning with a certain letter

Sounds silly, but somehow it seems to make it easier to commit to going out then.

I always feel so much more relaxed when I get back!

Yes, I walk an hour per day with my 9 month old. I would go stir crazy if I didn't and the fresh air does us both good.

I do a lap of the village every day, I try to do 4 miles.

Of course! Have dog, will travel

DD is very excited that we are going out for a walk

What a sad sentence, your poor child shouldn't be excited about a walk it should be an every day occurance.

I've been out every day around 45-50 minutes walk with my dog. Just around the housing estate where I live, it's mostly quiet and I cross the road if I see other people.

I think any risk would be really small and there is benefit both physically and mentally.

Unless you live in a really crowded built up area I don't see why you wouldn't do this.

yes round the block a few times with my 4 year old on his scooter. Just cross road if I see anyone coming etc

DD is very excited that we are going out for a walk

You’ve said you don’t have MH difficulties but please take a moment to consider the impact your refusal to leave the house is having on your small child if she is feeling excited at the mere thought of something as unusual as a walk Happening. Please go out as long as you are able to.

Yeah, me and the kid and the dog love our walks!

Enjoy your walk. It's definitely ok

I'm scared of being yelled at for going for a walk, because I don't have children (or a dog) so I've stopped. You are a mother through, so I'm sure it's Ok for you.

I go out couple of times a day. Went for 3 mile walk at 6am and a 7 mile run tonight.

I think it’s essential to have regular exercise. The risks of not going out are significant from loss of muscle tone and core stability in elderly to increased risk of mental illness or Vitamin D deficiency.
I do at least two walks of about an hour a day.

I live in a flat with no garden so I'm going for a walk when I'm not working and taking my 3yo with me

Yes usually a walk or cycle or trip to the allotment

Julybaby
Go for a walk
You are human you are allowed to
You dont need dogs babies etc

julybaby32 why on earth would anyone yell at you? There is absolutely nothing in the guidance that states you can only walk with children or a dog. I have both children and a dog... some days DH takes them all out for a walk and I go for a run or walk alone for some headspace. Haven’t been yelled at yet, and see many other people running or walking alone.
Don’t let your own paranoia stop you going for a walk.

Why would people yell at you for going for a walk because you don't have a dog? It's far easier to pass a single person walking, getting past 2 a breast couples or dog walkers whose dog lead stretches the width of the path is harder but they're allowed out too. Exercise and maintaining muscle tone and bone density is good for us.

I think how people feel about going out for walks is directly related to where they live. I take my dog for about four miles each day and usually meet no-one. I might not be quite so keen if there were more people around.

@julybaby32
If you like walking, go for a walk. It’s absolutely ok to walk on your own.
I see lots of people doing this.
It’s good for you. You have as much right as anybody.

Pretty much every day since I started self isolation (as dd had a cough) 6 weeks ago.
I need that hour or so out of the house getting fresh air and keeping a bit of movement. Sitting for too long on one position working at the computer is playing havoc with my arthritis in my knees and arms.

We make the 18y go out for a walk every other day or so so she actually sees daylight!

I think it’s incredibly sad that so many people are too scared to go out of their house for the simple act of a walk, to take exercise, a change of scenery and some fresh air.