People often ask me if I have a favorite intervention, or one that I really identify with. I think every counselor does. For me I have been using therapeutic walks to do therapy and it is definitely one of my favorite interventions especially for anxiety and depression.
When you are worrying, you are not living in the present moment. You are anticipating an imagined, awful future.
This sort of worry can affect every part of your life!
An MRI of an anxious brain shows signs of deactivation in areas of the brain that govern thought. So worry and anxiety can quickly spiral out of control. Research shows that incorporating exercise into your life can slash your anxiety by half!
Using even small amounts of exercise can decrease your anxiety and depression and help you feel better.
During therapeutic walks, you will learn how to feel your feelings and use your body movement to help process some of your difficult and anxious emotions.
Learning how to feel our feelings even the uncomfortable ones is an art. It has taken me years to be comfortable enough to feel what I fear feeling. After a therapeutic walk, you will learn stretches to help you deal with tension and anxiety that naturally arise in life.
Today, consider taking a walk if you have been isolating. I know it’s hot so you will have to time your walk so that you won’t be too hot. You might consider going to an outdoor mall with misters and walking in the evening. An early morning walk with your dog can be good as well.
Practice letting go of thoughts that are not serving you well. You might need to focus on your breath during the walk when an anxious thought appears. Greet your anxiety and then say, “I see you, but I need a break from you.” And then go back to noticing your breath.
During your walk use your senses to identify gratitude.
What do you see that you’re thankful for?
What do you hear that you’re thankful for?
What do you feel that you’re thankful for?
You get the drift. :)
If you want to learn how to make your walks more therapeutic come into Mind Helm for a “Walk It Out” session and we will get to work. You are always worth the effort! Live well.