"Just go for a walk..."

[LittleMissUnreasonable]

Why does this always seem to be one of the big solutions for people who are suffering from poor mental health? Maybe if I lived in Southern Spain having a nice sunny walk would be very pleasant. But the weather being so miserable and grey ends up making me feel worse. The thought of putting on waterproofs to trudge through the grey endless rain, only to end up in a condensation filled cafe that smells of damp coats just doesn't seem very appealing

It's annoying isn't it! When you want an excuse to wallow and ignore the world but deep down know this piece of advice is right so you dig your heels in to prove it wrong...vicious cycle

And perhaps it does demonstrate caring and concern, however clumsy, I should have said.

It may well not work for you OP but there is a huge amount of evidence that moving is far better than sitting or lying down for the vast majority of people. Walking outdoors has a vast array of proven benefits for physical and mental health.

I walk between 5 and 10 miles a day. Some of those walks are in woodland, in fields, on mountains, beside rivers. Many others are on pavements and paths in fairly dull places. Some walks are alone, some are with my DH, my brother or with friends. I can guarantee that every single walk will be doing me good.

In my (admittedly limited) experience the only things that can alleviate poor mental health are time and distraction.

Other things can stem the anxiety, the despair but ultimately - time is required.

There has been loads of research done on the benefits of on mental health, life longevity as a result of both social interaction, e.g postman, shop owner neighbour in passing etc and interaction with nature, it is 'essential' for good health, 'all' health.

We’re all different. Walking helps my mental health a lot, especially in winter. The fresh air, breeze on my face, feeling the elements - it helps. I feel grounded and remember I’m part of this planet - I didn’t feel I was for a while.

People also don't want to feel that there's an insurmountable challenge for some people when it comes to mental health. They want to maintain that there is a solution, there must be. Anything else is a challenge to their beliefs about life.

This is actually in evidence in the replies here to your post, @LittleMissUnreasonable . "Walking must help", "There is no mental ill in life that cannot be cured by a brisk walk. There isn't.".

The problem with poor mental health is that is gives you a negative view of everything, so naturally you'll look at the potential down side.

It rarely rains all day but I walk in all weathers, and just being out in the fresh air and elevating my heart rate does me a lot of good. I find it doubly therapeutic if I can walk with someone else and have a chat as we go along.

I would fall apart if I didn't walk. I have a dog so sort of have to. In any weather. But I also go on walking holidays with my husband or a friend. And they're fabulous. Maybe find someone to walk with, OP.

I genuinely used to hate being outdoors but after forcing myself to go on walks, it really did help.

And this year I downloaded the Merlin app. It's a bird identification app where you can upload pictures or just turn on sound identification and it'll pick up bird calls in the area. I ended up obsessed with it, and then identifying an uncommon bird then Googling it to find out more. It opened up a whole new world of nature I was previously not engaged with.

I've even bought some cheap binoculars and become a bit of a twitcher 😊

You do it for the health benefits. If you enjoy it, that is a bonus.

I think it is mostly just a state of mind with walks. I have a dog so walk twice a day whether it is nice outside or not. Strangely (or maybe not) I prefer days like today. It is raining a little and the wind is blowing. The temperature has dropped so I can wear my fleece without being too hot and it's not raining enough for me to need my waterproofs. The world smells damp and the leaves are just starting to change colour on some of the early trees. Conkers will be dropping soon. The grass is a beautiful green and the hills are topped by mist. Climbing the big hill behind my house caused my leg muscles to work and my face to flush.

I think if you are depressed (or don't enjoy walking!) then maybe the walk does not appeal. However if you are a lover of a good walk then a bit of rain really doesn't spoil it.

I think going out does help, especially if you pass a couple of random people that you can say hello to or even stop for a little chat. The very act of dragging yourself out and crucially small social interactions I believe are very important to your mental well-being. The rain is fine, I've run ultra marathons in rain and they can be strangely invigorating!

When you feel anxious or stressed facing danger, the body releases chemicals to get you to fight or run.
These days our stresses aren't usually things you run away from or fight physically but doing what you naturally should be doing ie move helps to 'rebalance us'

This is why walking is good for us. Not just good, but necessary.

Because it works.

Because it’s the best form of exercise there is.

Because it’s free.

Not quite sure why you’re being so disparaging, OP. Put a jacket on if it’s raining and have a nice hot drink when you get in. Love a good walk!

Yabu

Like I said...

I'm unable to take medication due to a severe skin allergy, so manage bipolar II, GAD, OCD and SAD by walking and staying busy when not at work.

It's more about having a distraction, time to think and getting rid of tension.

I go both alone or with a friend. It helps if I add a task, like 'walk to x shop and buy y'.

I hate it too. And when I’m really struggling, I can’t do it. But when the antidepressants are starting to do their job and I can face it, it really helps. The fresh air, the vitamin D, the movement, even the cold all actually do make a difference. It doesn’t have to be hours, just five or ten minutes will help.

The thing is, we have evolved being active, being active is the default setting for humans. Being inactive is really really bad for you, both mentally and physically. Nobody is saying going for a walk will cure depression, they are saying that going for a walk - which is a simple, free and unchallenging kind of exercise, accessible to most people - will help you. Which it will.

The exercise gets your muscles moving (which is what they are designed for, aren't they), your blood circulating, oxygen washing all over your systems, taking deeper breaths, feeling the wind on your face. Then you have the change of scene, hopefully seeing some nature which is usually beneficial. Even in towns there are gardens or house fronts to look at - I find just seeing the different ways people have chosen to do their house decor or gardens interesting. You're getting fresh air too.

I often take a flask of tea with me on longer walks, I don't always need it but it's comforting to know it's there. Putting my flask in my backpack alongside a rainhat and other bits and bobs is part of the preparation, a push towards getting out. I often walk with a friend which is also much nicer if they are like minded to you, a companion can make it seem like the sun has come out and is another element of a beneficial walk. But if you prefer to be alone that's totally doable too.

I always feel better after a walk, just because I've done something positive. But I also feel refreshed and more inclined to keep moving, so it's a win in that respect too. A small win, but it all counts.

It does help, though. But I get that overcoming the initial resistance is hard, especially on a grey day. I hate rain but if it’s that or just being stuck in the house all day, I have to do it.

I get why you are saying that. But honestly being outside, in daylight, moving does help with serotonin and endorphins, whatever the weather.
It's the last thing you feel like doing when you are very unwell. But it's one of the only things that helped me.

Motivating yourself is hard, but if you make yourself it does help. You could try doing something while you walk like taking photos or listening to a podcast, so it is less about the walk but more about doing something, but happening to walk while you do it.

I also like to mix it up with cycling.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/mar/02/exercise-is-even-more-effective-than-counselling-or-medication-for-depression-but-how-much-do-you-need I can empathise with how you feel though, not easy to drag oneself out especially in grotty weather x

I walk a lot and it massively helps my mental health even on a dull day. I live in a nice area though and the coastal hikes help keep me fit and listening to the waves is great therapy especially if just me up there. It gives me space to think. I also walk with two or three walking groups so great social activity. I do like variety though so couldn't do the same walk day after day so sometimes it involves a bus or car ride first.

Even when we get bad weather it doesn't usually last all day. Just try it for 10-15 minutes a day and work up.