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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

"Just go for a walk..."

335 replies

LittleMissUnreasonable · 19/09/2023 08:11

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

OP posts:
PinkRoses1245 · 19/09/2023 09:26

YABU. We’re far too sedentary in our culture. And a walk doesn’t have to involve a cafe! I walk everywhere just to get around

OutwiththeOutCrowd · 19/09/2023 09:27

Sometimes you've got to fake it until you make it with walking or other activities that people tell you are good for you - and you know they probably are - but you just aren't feeling it. Anhedonia and depression go hand in hand.
If you go out for a walk - even if you have to push yourself a little into doing it -and then slowly make a habit of it, eventually there will be some joy in it. It's not a quick fix.

andrainwillmaketheflowersgrow · 19/09/2023 09:28

Walking, exercise and fresh air are all proven to help improve mental health.

I'm a dog walker and my mental health has improved so much since I started working outdoors.

Even on days like today where it's blowing 40mph winds - I always feel so much better once I've been out and done something.

That said, I wouldn't do it every single day and I do enjoy my days off where I can stay inside and chill, but I really do think that balance is important. It's not healthy to live your life cooped up indoors.

Bettyboobaloo · 19/09/2023 09:29

Because it actually works. Sometimes the most simplest things work. You sound defensive with a chip on your shoulder. You'll struggle in life because of that. Its contributing to your mental health issues. Forget the pills, loose the ego and go on a bloody walk. Look at the world around you. Don't look at the puddles, look at the rain or even the sky. What does the rain feel like on your skin? What colour are the leaves today which way is the wind blowing. Look outwards xx

HartlandRoad · 19/09/2023 09:29

Walks in the UK are far more inviting than in the South of Spain. The rain is not ideal but it is possible to enjoy them with the right clothing. Not that easy or safe in the heat.

DrySherry · 19/09/2023 09:29

Walking in all weather is great for mental health, no doubt about it.
Can be hard to start the habit though if your sunk into a cycle of negative thinking I guess.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 19/09/2023 09:29

Are the people suggesting a walk doing so because they think it will "cure" you? Or just "this person is down right now, and being out in the fresh air will help today"?

Cola2023 · 19/09/2023 09:30

LittleMissUnreasonable · 19/09/2023 08:45

@ChardonnaysBeastlyCat
I may not be made out of sugar, but have you come from the 1950s with that 'stiff upper lip just get on with it' attitude. Very reductive to people struggling... I thought we'd moved on a lot with being empathetic to poor mental health but evidently not

I'm not the person you're replying to, but 'just get on with it' regardless of symptoms is how I function with bipolar II.

It's honestly helped, having routine. I never stay off work sick regardless of sleep or mood.

Same as exercise or diet. You do it to feel better eventually, not the other way around.

Oysterbabe · 19/09/2023 09:32

Some people who love walking just don't get that it isn't for everyone. I absolutely despise going for walks. I love walking to places but going for a walk just for the sake of it makes me want to dissolve into a puddle of ennui.

JudgeRudy · 19/09/2023 09:33

I don't think the aim is to end up anywhere other than home. Also I don't think it's being suggested as a cure all, just something that could possibly help.
The walk you've described doesn't sound particularly pleasant however most people don't need to be in Spain (or warm weather) to get the benefit of a change of scenery, some fresh air and some exercise. Numerous studies have shown a link between better MH and physical activity, and a walk can be a very mindful activity too.
Is your own MH poor atm? Is it annoying you that someone has suggested this? Why not look into other activities if you're so concerned about the weather. Could you join a gym, take up a sport or even do some cleaning/decorating/gardening? It really does help. Of course in a MH crisis it won't necessarily help. Do you feel your health isn't being taken seriously?
I think it's not beyond comprehension that the majority of people don't have such feelings negative feelings towards the British weather. I love it, the depth and range of variety we have with a few extremes that are challenging, but for me simply breathing in moving/fresh air feels pleasant, irrespective of the what else is happening.

CharlotteBog · 19/09/2023 09:34

"go for a walk" works for me.
"have a lovely bubble bath" doesn't.
"pour yourself a gin" also doesn't.
"get an early night" also doesn't.

People need to find what works for them.

headcheffer · 19/09/2023 09:34

cruffinsmuffin · 19/09/2023 08:46

When I feel crap the last thing I want is someone telling me to go for a walk!

But when I do go for a walk I feel ten times better. The movement and fresh air do wonders for my mental health if I'm honest, I get out every day otherwise I go into overthink mode. Even when it's storming (like this morning!) I wrapped up and did a damp walk, coming home to the warmth and a cup of tea was so rewarding after the rain too.

I'm the same. When I'm low I think how will a walk help? But after a week of walking every day for even just 20 mins I feel so much better.

Walks don't have to be through the countryside. I often walk along our local port harbour and it's not exactly beautiful but it does uplift me to smell the sea. I also often drive to a local historic city and do one of the walking routes past the historical points of the city. It's through the city centre but the 45 min loop looking at the interest points is lovely.

OneTwoThreeShake · 19/09/2023 09:35

Probably because fresh air and exercise is proven to help mental health, regardless of how nice the weather is or how pretty the vista may be.

Original poster
LittleMissUnreasonable · 19/09/2023 09:36

@Bettyboobaloo
I seem defensive after thanking about 8 posters individually for their motivating and good advice. Okay then 😂

Thank you everyone else for the advise. You've inspired me to get a good pair of waterproof shoes and actually get out there! 😊

OP posts:
MrsMarzetti · 19/09/2023 09:36

I understand that sometimes just getting dressed is a major victory but surely sitting in the same space breathing the same air just makes you feel bad. We need fresh air and a change of scene just as much as we need exercise. If i didn't go out in the rain i would hardly ever be outside as it rains here so much.

RampantIvy · 19/09/2023 09:37

Because it seems that most mumsnetters live in London or the south. On the coat thread the vast majority are saying there is no need for coats yet.

That is because they don't live where I live, where we do get a lot of rain, and it is significantly colder than the southern half of the country.

It is currently a very wet and windy 14 degrees here, and walking in this weather is definitely not mood lifting.

explainthistomeplease · 19/09/2023 09:37

Yay@LittleMissUnreasonable you won't regret it!

sugarapplelane · 19/09/2023 09:39

I find walking, rain or shine, really helps to clear the mind and aids well-being. Well it certainly helps mine.
It may be grey at the moment, but it’s not constantly raining so pick a time between rain, take a rain coat just incase and get out there. It’s amazing

Stroopwaffels · 19/09/2023 09:39

It works for me too. Even a quick 10 minutes in the fresh air really helps. It's hard to drag yourself out when it's raining but you just have to grab the opportunity when the rain stops. My favourite types of walks are in January/February when it is dry but FREEZING and when you come home your face is all tingly.

DrySherry · 19/09/2023 09:40

Brilliant 👏

SallyWD · 19/09/2023 09:41

I agree with everyone else. Walking is beneficial in so many different ways. I slept badly and woke up in a low mood feeling stiff and achey. I've just been for a walk (in the wind and rain) and feel so much better. If I'd just stayed indoors I can guarantee I'd be feeling horrible.
I actually feel we have the perfect climate for walking in this country. Ok I prefer not to walk in the rain but generally it's not too hot or cold here. You just need the right clothes. I walk nearly every day of the year.
I have family in southern Europe and yes there's sunshine but I can tell you that it's really unpleasant going for long walks in 35 degrees heat. I did it a lot over the summer and was missing cool temperatures and grey skies, which are the perfect conditions for walking.

CynicalUsee · 19/09/2023 09:41

LittleMissUnreasonable · 19/09/2023 09:36

@Bettyboobaloo
I seem defensive after thanking about 8 posters individually for their motivating and good advice. Okay then 😂

Thank you everyone else for the advise. You've inspired me to get a good pair of waterproof shoes and actually get out there! 😊

This is brilliant news!

sunglassesonthetable · 19/09/2023 09:42

Thank you everyone else for the advise. You've inspired me to get a good pair of waterproof shoes and actually get out there! 😊

impressed!👏🏼

And by the looks of it you'll need them this week.

Remember OP it doesn't have to be a long walk. Start with 5-10 mins if it's hard to motivate yourself.

Well done OP. Hope this can work for you.

SuddenlyOld · 19/09/2023 09:44

I think going for a walk can help because it makes you get dressed and do something. But often it needs to have a purpose to make it helpful for MH. I often get more depressed going for a walk, because it's aimless and I'm alone. I have a dog now which makes it better. Perhaps you could walk to a shop instead of driving. Or to visit family etc. Aimless walking doesn't always help.

As for the weather, I prefer the rain sometimes. Are you able to go swimming or to the gym when it's raining? It's all about getting out and exercising, not just walking

NosnowontheScottishhills · 19/09/2023 09:45

I walk in all weathers alone and with friends I also walk in the dark in the winter before and after work I average 18000 steps a day. I absolutely love it and it is so good for my MH. Today it’s very misty here, I can’t see the hills that surround my house and it’s pissing with rain but once you’re outside it’s rarely as bad as it looks. I have invested in exceedingly good outdoor clothing and brilliant wellies this definitely helps.