Walking is the New Running

I used to run.

I would wake up before the sun came up and either meet up with friends, or just head out on my own. It became something I could not imagine not having in my life. It was great for my mind and my body, and I just felt so much better after I went for a run. Until I didn't. It happened sort of slowly, I just wasn't feeling as great after running. I started to actually dread going, and found that I was doing it more out of habit than because I enjoyed it. I also was having pain in some areas of my body that made it more and more uncomfortable to run. It was at that point, after about 15 years of running, that I decided to stop. It took a little while for me to figure out new physical activities that gave me the same joy that running once did, but eventually I did in yoga and walking/hiking.

My point in sharing this is that exercise, in any form, is good for our minds and our bodies and no matter who you are and where you live you can find something that serves a healthy purpose in your life. And sometimes, for whatever reason, we may need to pivot. Life changes, health challenges, moving, aging etc. These things may cause you to no longer be able to do the activities you once loved. This can feel frustrating and you may be convinced that nothing else could possibly be as enjoyable or bring you the same amount of happiness. The most important thing is to get out there and try something new. You will be surprised how something, that you may never have given much thought about, could be the activity that will become an important part of your healthy routine. Or maybe there is something that you have always wanted to try, and you haven't - you've been stuck in a rut or just inside your own head convincing yourself you can't. This is your sign to take that step towards doing it and give it a go!