Listen To Your Body: 15,500 Steps

I had this whole blog post all written up earlier this week about my walk. However, after I had it written and read it for the next day, I changed my mind. It was about walking through history and how much we have changed from the past. Some times we see that, but other times we don't. We don't see how much things have changed at all.

Instead, I decided to write about how we need to listen to our bodies. When it comes to our health, our bodies often give us clues and cues about how we are feeling. For example, I always know if I am getting sick because I get unusually tired a few days beforehand. My glands in my neck will get swollen. If my body is really fighting off something, I sleep a lot more than usual. Even people who haven't seen me for years will say, "You slept until 9:00 am? Are you okay? That's not like you." And, since I know my body's cues that I am getting sick pretty well by now, I listen.

It's the same with exercising. When I am walking or doing any type of exercise, I can start to feel my limit as I walk. It's spring, so I can keep walking more. In the hottest weeks of summer, though, I often will have to take a break while walking. I remember one day last summer it was especially hot and humid, and I had to stop and rest every single lap. Other days, I feel like I can walk for hours, or until I run out of daylight...whichever comes first.

Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison

Even then, I really listen to my body when I am exercising. I have had athletic-related injuries in the past, so I know what an aggravated injury feels like. The more in shape I am, the less I experience those aches and pains. However, I am getting older, and some days I can feel that I'm not going to be able to do the whole walk that day. Yesterday, for example, I walked inside. I didn't walk my whole 15,500 steps. I only walked 10,500. It was the end of the day, and I could feel my body was too tired and worn out to continue. So, I stopped. I also have days where I wake up and my knees are sore from the day before, or maybe I have some severe blisters on my feet. That's when I take a break, and I give myself a chance to heal.

On the opposite side of that, I know a good walk or workout sometimes is exactly what I need. Like today, I wish it wasn't so cold because I really could use some fresh air and to really get my heartbeat going. Walking helps me clear my head, reduces stress and helps me be more focused on my daily activities.

I know there is a lot going on in the world around us right now. But, really take some time to listen to your body, your mind, and your spirit. Maybe a good walk is just what you need.