walking

[NotAChevy]

Many of us have different methods of reducing anxiety, and as a method of self-reflection. Some use yoga; some play a sport, while others of us head out on a good walk. I'm talking about a relaxing walk by ourselves where we can think, reflect on the beauty of nature, and just got out heads screwed back on correctly before heading back out into the “rat race”.

I have a great little path set up of 3.1 miles where I do this. I can get some exercise, clear my head, and talk out loud to help me make decisions. I don't care if others see, or hear me. Just the ability to focus on something else, and to hear myself present all sides to an argument, helps me to figure out what I need to do. Some might see this as odd, or even psychotic, but hearing myself discuss the merits and disadvantages of a topic, allows me take quicker and better decisions.

My grandpa used to tell me,” there's nothing wrong with talking to yourself; just don't lose an argument to yourself, because then we’ll need to get the white coats involved”.

He would often be seen mumbling to himself when he was stressed or had a big decision to make.

Am I the only one who does this?

[FocusAndFlow]

Perfectly reasonable and, I'd say, necessary. I totally get the walking and talking bit. We're literally rewiring our brains when we do that.

Mine is a bit different, having been a swimmer in high school -> I've been hitting the pool again, and I have several different sets of training paddles, and I have the bouy to to upper body pulls and flippers, etc. I used to get overwhelmed just getting ready to go, getting in the car, driving over to the public lap pool, etc. I'd be a mess by the time I got in the pool, if I did at all over the last 20 years.

Now I just concentrate on getting in the pool and not thinking about how long I'm going to swim, how many laps, what combinations, etc., along with every single thing I need to do that day and for the rest of the week, etc. It tended to bring up the 'wall of awful'. It still does, a bit, but I focus on just getting in the pool and I switch off different training equipment every 100, 200 yards, or whatever combination of freestyle/breast stroke/butterfly I like to do (not fond of backstroke), and I focus on counting my laps as I go and on my breath, which is critical to swim training.

Amazingly, it has very beneficial cognitive effects. It's harder to go get in the pool than to lace up and just go outside, but once in the pool, I can still be thinking of other things, but the main focus is on counting and breath control/timing. I highly recommend it. It's similar to the walking and talking, but on another level.

That said, I need to get back to daily walking. Thanks for the reminder - I wanted to do both, but I've inadvertently simply switched to swimming, but I do recognize how they both have their benefits.

I'm working toward building a weekly workout regimen where I want to add weights and HIIT as well and do each at least 2-3 times per week. I suspect that will only benefit me more, especially given the time management required to fit it all in, and consistently so!

Thanks for the reminder, and I agree - Do not lose arguments with yourself!

Otherwise, who cares what the world thinks? Feel better. Keep at it.

Godspeed.

[KnightlyADHD]

I do the same thing, when going for walks I'll talk to myself and find ways to solve problems i'm currently facing. For exercise typically do a combination of farmers carries with dumb bells and taking thirty minutes walks when I have time. I do it mostly for the brain, energy and sleep benefits and anything beyond that such as muscle definition I treat as an added bonus.

[Jozlynn]

I've learned that I am absolutely a verbal processor, even if that means talking out loud to myself. Hey, it works!

[Lilwonder]

I do it all the time. Both the walking, and the talking to myself, so I sure hope it is ok!

[Deedeeta]

no you are not the only one. In fact i have created 2 separate businesses that allow me to do just that. While getting paid! I only recently learned that adhd’ers are natural entrepreneurs. I always thought of myself as defective for not working at a traditional job. Now I see that I was being so good to myself!

And I see you as being good to yourself too!