Health Update: The mass on my right ovary has shrunk a bit. We're keeping an eye on it, making sure it doesn't get bigger again, cause pain, or change characteristics. So far, so good. Thanks for your well wishes!
Bactine for Writer's Burnout Part 5
Free Your Mind with Walking
Walking isn’t only a great form of exercise, but it’s been proven to be a stress-reliever. When we walk, we free our minds. Walking is also an excellent method to help us work through (or walk through) our troubles.
When we move, our blood pumps faster, and the more blood going to our brain increases our productivity levels, further increasing our mental power. We can think better, process better. The odds of us finding a solution or being inspired elevates.
Working out also releases chemicals into our body…happy chemicals. That’s why so many people who exercise regularly feel so good after a workout. If working out isn’t really your thing, or if you’re like me and your options are limited, walking can also do this. After I take a walk, I feel invigorated…free…heightened.
Getting outside, being in the sun and fresh air, and (if you’re lucky) around nature can instantly make you feel better.
To get through my burnout, I started to take a walk every day after dinner, the hour before I usually would turn off the computer for the day. Bumping that time up to 7:00pm instead of 8:00pm gave me more freedom and time to relax, and that time started with a walk.
BACTINE #14: Take a walk for 20 or 30 minutes at the end of each day.
This is all the time you need to shed pressure, free your mind, and wake up your body. And walking at the end of your busy day is a wonderful way to let go. Let go of whatever struggle or stress you had that day and open yourself to possibilities.
TIP: Walk alone so you can really release and be. If you decide to walk with someone, make a no-talking rule so you both can be in your own heads.
BACTINE #15: Do one long walk once a week.
If you can’t find the time to walk every day, schedule a nice long walk at least once a week for a good hour or so. This will help you release the week you had and welcome the next.
Even using a treadmill with earbuds in place and music on (or placing the treadmill in front of a window with a nice scenery) can do the same.
Even using a treadmill with earbuds in place and music on (or placing the treadmill in front of a window with a nice scenery) can do the same.
TIP: If you’re incapable of walking and are wheelchair-bound, have someone assist you with completing your daily or weekly walks. Just remember the no-talking rule so you can benefit from being outside, in nature, and let your mind go as your stress goes.
Walk.
Breathe.
See.
Expunge.
Receive.
Another Bactine post for Writer’s Burnout coming soon!
QUESTIONS: Do you take walks? How do they make you feel?
Enter to win a signed, print copy of Write with Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication and writing goodies (index cards, a magnetic mini clipboard with paper, flag paper clips, and a "Genius at Work" sign. Ends February 28th!
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The IWSG Book Club on Goodreads is changing things up!
5 Discussion Questions: We will pose 5 questions that you can answer about the book we’ve read as a group. You can answer one question or all five. It’s up to you.
Discussion Day Poll: Every discussion day, there will also be a poll that all members will get invited to answer. This is a great option to participate that is fast and simple.
Quiz: You can also help us create a Goodreads quiz for the book we’ve read.
Giveaways: Every Discussion Day, book club members will get a Goodreads message that will include the chance for members to enter a free Rafflecopter giveaway.
Freebies: When we announce the next reading selection, another Goodreads message will go out that’ll include a downloadable freebie, which could be anything.
Other Polls: We will also invite members to answer writing or reading related polls during our “down” months. One poll will be related to the book in some way.
We read a new book every other month, alternating between craft books and fictional books that demonstrate an aspect of writing. Members vote on our fictional books.
***GIVEAWAY***
Enter to win a signed, print copy of Write with Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication and writing goodies (index cards, a magnetic mini clipboard with paper, flag paper clips, and a "Genius at Work" sign. Ends February 28th!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
IWSG BOOK CLUB NEWS:
The IWSG Book Club on Goodreads is changing things up!
5 Discussion Questions: We will pose 5 questions that you can answer about the book we’ve read as a group. You can answer one question or all five. It’s up to you.
Discussion Day Poll: Every discussion day, there will also be a poll that all members will get invited to answer. This is a great option to participate that is fast and simple.
Quiz: You can also help us create a Goodreads quiz for the book we’ve read.
Giveaways: Every Discussion Day, book club members will get a Goodreads message that will include the chance for members to enter a free Rafflecopter giveaway.
Freebies: When we announce the next reading selection, another Goodreads message will go out that’ll include a downloadable freebie, which could be anything.
Other Polls: We will also invite members to answer writing or reading related polls during our “down” months. One poll will be related to the book in some way.
We read a new book every other month, alternating between craft books and fictional books that demonstrate an aspect of writing. Members vote on our fictional books.
Join Here
Our February/March 2019 book is…
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
This book was voted on by our members as a good example of setting.
Discussion Day will be March 20th.
Spring and fall we often take a walk after dinner. But I'm on my elliptical 20-40 minutes every day, getting my steps. And everyone is familiar with my laps around the sanctuary every Sunday morning before church begins. (I can usually get over 5000 steps that way.)
ReplyDeleteI wish I had an elliptical or treadmill.
DeleteI quite agree Chrys about walking being good for stress relief. Until recently have done my share of walking and hope to continue again soon.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you.
Have a good February.
Yvonne.
I hope you can get back to walking, Yvonne.
DeleteHave a beautiful February!
I run two miles on the elliptical every day. It is amazing how many writerly problems get solved during that time!
ReplyDeleteYou're the second one so far to say she uses an elliptical. It would be so handy to have one.
DeleteYES. I love to walk off my frustration or stress. Great tip, Chrys. I find it to be like meditating. I always go alone, too and enjoy nature and watch the birds.
ReplyDeletep.s. I'm happy to hear your breast mass is not changing. Sounds healthy. I had a lump removed coming up two years ago. Stay healthy and enjoy those walks!
It is a lot like meditating...moving meditation. ;)
DeleteOvary, not breast, but that's okay. And thank you!
I didn't know about your health issues. So sorry! I'm glad to hear things are looking up, though. And I love going for walks. That's when we can up here in the north where it's so stinking cold right now. LOL But the non-talking thing is something I'll have to try. Makes perfect sense.
ReplyDeleteNo worries. And thank you!
DeleteSometimes it's nice to use that time to talk with someone, but not talking helps you more. :)
Fingers crossed for continued good health news!
ReplyDeleteI've started taking more walks, and I do find I'm more energized after. I usually walk with my husband and we sometimes talk, sometimes are quiet. It all works. :)
Thank you, Madeline!
DeleteIt's amazing what walking to do for us. :)
Hi Chrys - that is good news re the shrinkage and better health. I walk quite a lot - but am not good at stretching out for long walks - which I should do ... perhaps once the weather is a little better, and now I'm more settled - I'll get out and do more - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI forget to stretch, too. I should get better at that.
DeleteI love taking walks, but the weather is not the best for that right now. I do try to get out to our local woods at least once a week. Being in the trees with just wildlife and the crunch of leaves is one of my favorite past times. Walking around the neighborhood (or jogging) is a great time for thinking about plot lines. Even mowing the lawn is a good time for thinking.
ReplyDeleteNo, the weather is not good for walking in many places right now. I should've saved this post for when it wasn't so cold, huh? lol
DeleteI really should start walking. I've been living a sedentary life for a long while and the only chance I get to take walks is when I'm walking to the library. That'll have to change and set aside time to do it, like once a week for about an hour. Get back into yoga too.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear about the shrinkage and keeping my fingers crossed.
I wish I could do yoga, but I can't bend and stretch as I would need to in order to do yoga. *sigh*
DeleteMuch of my weight loss over the years has come from walks. Two years ago, I'd gained so much weight, and barely got out, it was extremely painful and difficult to walk even short distances. My hips hurt, and I had to stop and take breaks all the time. Even walking a mile to my main synagogue was impossible most weeks. Now that I've lost almost 60 pounds, it's much easier to walk places.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that, Carrie-Anne. Keep it up! :)
DeleteI go for multiple walks a day and run five miles. Both do wonders for body and mind.
ReplyDeleteThat's great!
DeleteWalking has been essential for my mental health since my husband died. I fell out of it for a few months when I was so busy this fall and definitely felt more depressed. Now I'm back on schedule and feeling better and losing some pounds I picked up.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, Natalie! When I'm depressed, I have to force myself to go out and get some fresh air. Either to walk or to just be around some nature, but it always does me some good. :)
DeleteThank you for the timely reminder. I'd just re-started a walking habit when struck by a virus late last year which impacted my respiration. That's now improved, but my sleeping hasn't. Walking will help with that, especially as I know that my mind is overfull. A good friend & colleague told me that when I didn't have my lunchtime walk, she could see stress getting to me.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your health challenges. Hope things remain held at bay. Best wishes.
I'm sorry to hear about your health challenges. I really do hope they get better. And thank you for your best wishes with mine. :)
DeleteWalking keeps me happy and fit and I do all my thinking while walking. Sorry to hear about your health issues. Sending you loads of good energy and positive wishes for your health.
ReplyDeleteWalking is healing. :)
DeleteThank you, Rachna!
Good news about your health. Hope things keep getting better! I like to walk, and I wish we had a better neighborhood to walk in. No sidewalks and the cars speed down the street. It's totally not safe.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine!
DeleteOh no. That is stuff. Before I moved in 2015 to where I live now, I had a neighborhood I really enjoyed walking in. Here, I have a lot of dogs barking at me, which causes me stress.
My father goes for a walk every morning. His goal is to walk down all the streets in his city. Well, again. He's done all the streets a couple times already. He's on something like his fifth pass.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! Good for him. :D
DeleteI have a treadmill and walking is always my go to stress reliever. I wish you good health.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
I've always wanted a treadmill. I'd be on it a lot.
DeleteGlad to hear your health update. I'll keep sending those good vibes!!
ReplyDeleteI walk on my treadmill every morning and that works for me - especially during our winters. I do love going on a walk through so much of our beautiful Canadian forest trails when they're not covered with snow!! :)
Thank you, Jemi!
DeleteAnother one who has a treadmill. Gosh, I wish I had one. I'll have to try to save up and get a used one some day.
With our weather up here, it is SO worth it!!!
DeleteI can imagine. lol
DeleteI too started walking, with the dog, but walking. No headphones, earpods, phone, just me and my Casey. I always feel good afterwards.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes like to bring music along because it helps me to really move and let my mind go. I bring my phone with me only in case of emergency.
DeleteGood news on the health front—I'm so glad to hear it!
ReplyDeleteI try to walk at least three miles every day, but I am not freeing my mind during that time, even though I should. There have been many walks where, if my significant other comes along, I tell him that I'm walking to work through plot problems, not talk to him. Of course, I usually say it somewhat nicer than that sentence is probably coming off...
Thank you, MJ!
DeleteThree miles. Wow. I take baby walks compared to that. lol
HAHA!!! Don't talk to me, I'm plotting! :P
I take lots of walks when there's no snow. Hubby started walking to work in the summer and I usually will walk with him after his lunch break then again when he's done for the day. It's harder to do once the snow hits because they don't plow all the sidewalks and sometimes it's just too damn cold.
ReplyDeleteBeing in a state that gets snow would certainly make it hard.
DeleteI used to walk a LOT, but not so much any more. You're right about all the benefits of walking, though. My husband and I still try to get out there and walk as much as our bodies allow, but um, we don't do a very good job of keeping our mouths shut while we're doing it.
ReplyDeleteLOL! That's okay. Sometimes it's good to have that alone time with someone special, out in nature, while getting some exercising in, and chat. :)
DeleteExercise is the answer to so many things. I have always preferred to jog or walk alone. I've been on my elliptical during the cold months. Great advice for not just writers but for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing a lot of great things about ellipticals. :)
DeleteI love walking and try to do as often as possible. Walking on my own is particularly good for clearing my mind. Glad you had good news on the health front, wishing you well, Chrys.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suzanne!
DeleteWalking alone is excellent for clearing ones mind.
Good news on the health front. I use that Bactine every day. Either I hike, walk, workout or do yoga. The time is well-spent.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee!
DeleteThat's awesome! Time well-spent, indeed.
I usually try to go for a jog during my lunch break, weather and meetings permitting. I find it helps clear my head for the afternoon. If I don't exercise, then I actually feel tired and worn out after lunch.
ReplyDeleteExercising is great for giving us a boost of energy.
DeleteI agree. A good walk can help clear the mind. I have my treadmill faced towards a window and make sure there is some greenery within my view as I jam to my music.
ReplyDeleteElsie
I am jealous! I want a treadmill. :)
DeleteI can't allow my mind to wander while I walk. It goes to bad places of late. I like the treadmill, so I can read. It keeps my mind busy and the nasty thoughts out. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I'm sorry to hear that.
DeleteSo many have said they have a treadmill. I've wanted one for ages. Reading while walking on a treadmill would be so much better than reading while sitting on the couch.
I've taken up doing 30 minutes of cardio on the treadmill in the morning. I think it has helped my attitude, especially since I turn on my happy light during it!
ReplyDeleteI want that happy light!
DeleteWalking is indeed a picker-upper.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are doing okay.
Thank you, Cynthia! I am. :)
DeleteWith my crummy feet walking can stick it lol but then I've probably walked about 500 km so far this year, 6000 last year, crummy job. Where's my bed?
ReplyDeleteI have a bad back, so walking is about all I can do. lol
DeleteGood advice! I should do it too. I should shake off my laziness and start walking.
ReplyDeleteDo it! :D See how it makes you feel.
DeleteI used to run, until chronic injuries cut that off. Now I walk 3-5 miles daily. I love it! I do mine first thing in the morning. It helps clear the mind and get the blood flowing. I often think about my WIP and often have new scenes worked out, ready to be put on paper. So glad you've found this helpful for you.
ReplyDeleteUsing walking time to think about a WIP is a great idea.
DeleteWe
ReplyDeleteHen I can, I love to walk but my pain is getting in the way. Hopefully, when I have my next infusion on Saturday, I will feel better. Today we have had a horrible day weather wise with freezing rain. I agree with all that you have said. I hope you are feeling better
Walking a lot or for a long time causes me pain, too, but it's the only exercise I can really do. It's difficult at times, but it makes me feel good mentally, if not physically.
DeleteI'm a big believer in walking, too. I'm fortunate to have a few easy paths in my town and a dog who is perfect quiet companionship for a nice traipse through the woods. I'm convinced the extra oxygen from proximity to the trees is what does it. :-) @mirymom1 from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
I usually just walk around my block, but I should look for nice parks and natural places to walk. That would be even more peaceful.
DeleteGood stuff. I work out work-work and writing work stuff while walking.
ReplyDeleteThat's how to do it. :)
DeleteI definitely agree about walking. I try to walk every day after lunch. Tiger goes with me. He doesn't talk to me so it's nice and quiet. He does climb a tree every now and then or chase a bird, but I keep on walking. We don't hurry, but I'm thinking of speeding up. Always feel better after the walk and hate to miss it.
ReplyDeleteNot hurrying, just going whatever pace you want to go is nice. :)
DeleteI love walking and do it often (along with bike riding, paddling, & sailing). I also work out (was in the gym tonight). When I work out, I listen to books, but since I live in a natural area with lots of live oaks and marsh, I never listen to anything but nature when I walk. I also like to walk at night and look at the stars, my old friends!
ReplyDeleteYou are very active. That's great.
DeleteWhen I walk around my neighborhood, I like to listen to music to turn out the cars and people outside, but in a place with a lot of nature, I also like to listen to nature. It's so peaceful.
Hi Chrys. Because I've been traveling, not blogging. I didn't know you had health issues. I hope you are okay now. Stephen King walks when he is caught with a plot issue. Don't we all feel better when we walk? Great therapy.
ReplyDeleteI think we do tend to feel better after a walk.
DeleteThat's okay, Denise. Thank you! I am better now.
I love walking. I get some of my best writing ideas when I walk. Love those endorphins too. Glad you’re doing well, Chrys!
ReplyDeleteI get many ideas while walking, too. Walking is just so good for creative minds. :)
DeleteThank you, Gwen!
I run. Not for fitness, but mental health. I've had instances when running I would get a golden idea, then run back home to jot/map it out. I always know it won't resonate on my iPhone (I run with head phones). Great post, as usual. Thanks Chrys!
ReplyDeleteMeant while not when. Stupid iPhone! See what I mean?
DeleteI can't run because of my back...with a rod in there, it just feels so weird. lol But I've tried running when I was little and even ran track one year, but I never got in to it. I often wish could run, because I see how happy runners are after a god run and want that. lol
DeleteI LOVE walking - when there's not a -35 wind chill or raining ice. Walking in a mall is just NOT the same thing. I put in tons of steps at work but I wouldn't call that relaxing. Joining IWSG Book Club sounds like it might be. I haven't read REBECCA for more years than I can remember!
ReplyDeleteNo, walking in a mall isn't the same. The shops would stifle my peace and creativity process while I walk.
DeleteI hope you do join our book club. We have a lot of fun there. :)
Walking is an amazing way to relax the mind. Sometimes I listen to music when I walk, which seems to help the creativity afterwards.
ReplyDeleteI love listening to music when I walk. It really helps me to escape.
DeleteWalking is the only go to exercise for me. It started when I walked a mile to and from work when I was 19. Couldn't afford a car so that's how I got around. It continued to hiking the mountains of Alaska and has remained the best solution for me. Love it, and yes I get all those benefits and more!
ReplyDeleteSame here. I wish I could do yoga, but I can't. Hiking the mountains of Alaska would be something.
DeleteI did not realize you had a mass, Chrys. VERY sorry to hear this, but glad it's shrinking.
ReplyDeleteI used to walk three miles on my lunch hour M-F before I retired. Unfortunately, I'm not walking as often now and I can tell it. Great post.
Thanks, Sandra!
DeleteMaybe you'll start taking some short talks a few times a week now. I used to do more walking back in the day, too, and should do it more often. I'm afraid I've grown a bit lazy.
I wish I could stay on my feet to go walking. Getting to where I need to go and I am doing good. I use to walk a mile when I didn't have issues well, issues that knock you don't make you listen at any rate, lol. Great post.
ReplyDeleteA mile. Wow. I don't think I've walked that far. Well, maybe I have. I don't count steps or time myself to know.
DeleteGreat advice, Chrys. I'd love to walk (back issues). Sunshine is so helpful. We escaped Michigan's deep freeze. After a week down south, I'm feeling so much better, more energized. Unfortunately, we have to go back. Maybe winter will be over by the time we do. LOL
ReplyDeleteI hear ya with the back issues. It does make walking for a good period of time difficult, but walking is the only exercise I can manage.
DeleteYes, walking in the cold would not work at all. lol
I love to walk. I need to do it more, like you said, every day. I get too caught up in my head sometimes and don't get out and walk it off. Having my first winter in Ohio is showing me that I can walk when it's cold, but maybe I have to manage with shorter walks!
ReplyDeleteA short walk every day or a nice, long one once a week could do wonders. If I lived in a cold state, I'd invest in a treadmill. lol
DeleteWalking is good, but during the winters here in Michigan, It's just not going to work for me on a regular basis. I spend too much time thinking about how cold I'm feeling during the walk to keep my mind refreshed. We do have an old stationary bike, however. Not as much fun, but I'm sure it will get the blood pumping.
ReplyDeleteNo, I can imagine that walking in Michigan in the winter would be a no-go. A stationary bike is a fine alternative.
DeleteWith 3 big dogs, I always tell myself I should walk them and give myself some quiet time. I've yet to do it. LOL But I have picked back up with yoga twice a week so that helps me center myself, get some movement, and be at peace.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the mass has gotten smaller.
I wish I could do yoga, but my back won't allow it. Sadly.
DeleteThanks, Meka!
Glad to hear your health is better. Will continue to keep you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI've had a recent injury that's made it near impossible for me to work-out. It makes a huge difference. I'm so happy I'm at a place where I can at least walk my dog again and hope to be able to do more in the future (I miss my elliptical). Great post.
Thanks, Toi!
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about your recent injury. Hopefully you'll get back to where you were soon.
Umm yes. I want to walk. What a great suggestion! :)
ReplyDeleteHope your health keeps improving. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. <3.
Thank you, Mandy!
DeleteI love walking. And you're right. A great stress reliever and so much more. Great Post, Chrys!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathrina!
DeleteI'm a pretty big fan of walking. I'm more... amused or dismayed... that you have to give people this tip. I mean, I don't know how to put it, like "feeling hungry? Have you tried eating?" I don't... I just... I'm so freaking different. The idea of not doing this wouldn't occur to me.
ReplyDeleteOkay. I'm going to just thank you for the post and I'm going to set the laptop down and walk away now.
Well, it may not occur to people who are burned out that getting out and walking may help them. Especially if they are experiencing depression, too. In that case, they don't usually even want to leave the house to take a short walk. I've been there. You are very nature orientated, so this is an obvious solution to you, but everyone is different. And sometimes a reminder is good.
DeleteSo glad you've got things under control with that nasty growth on your ovary. You are still in my prayers, Chrys. I totally agree with walking or hiking or working out. I do all these things. It's my time away from my computer screen. A time to think and clear my mind in order to consider the possibilities. All best to you, my dear!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria!
DeleteTime away from the computer screen is a must. :)
I’m pretty much addicted to exercise, and am outside nearly every day. This last month may have taken the walking thing too far :D. I think we did about 130 miles... my head should be nice and clear, but it’s full of scenery and logistics, so the writing is struggling.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful. I admit to have gotten lazy. I can stay inside for days and then get the itch of needing to be outside or go somewhere, anywhere.
DeleteGlad to hear things seem to be stable health wise.
ReplyDeleteI get a walk every day with the dogs. They get all their exercise running around and I get my thinking time - win-win!
Thanks, Nick!
DeleteHaving dogs is a great excuse to go out for a walk every day. :)
I not only walk but I incorporate shorts bursts to keep the heart rate going. I find this helps set the pace for the rest of the day.
ReplyDeleteThat's great!
DeleteI really enjoy walking out my frustrations. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletewww.ficklemillennial.blogspot.com
Thank you for commenting, Gina!
DeleteWalking is great! I do it all the time, and it really helps.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful. :)
DeleteI sleep much better after a long walk at the end of the day :-)
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for Feb's IWSG Day Being an Insecure Writer -- And Happy About It
Another great reason to take daily walks. :)
DeleteA good sleep and exercising is great to keep the mind and soul going! Take care of your health! Happy the mass has shrunk a bit! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. We need both to stay healthy, physically and mentally.
DeleteThank you! <3