Any good ideas welcomed!

[Wheezycat]

This is my usual winter grumble: I find it hard when it is cold to go out for a walk, however good it is for me. I do all the usual - dress up like Michelin man, have the best face/nose/mouth cover I have had since this asthma palaver started and if cold, anywhere under 10 degrees, I at least consider taking ventolin before I go, ideally 15 minutes if I remember. But it is still so hard! Last year I found pleasure in walking round our nature reserve, but around mid January I ran out of steam. I couldn't bring myself to do it again, after a week or so dealing with the side effects of steroid tablets. The same thing is happening now without the steroid tablets, but now it is pure will power that gets me out of the house. I do my best to find enjoyment in trees, the beck, the birds, but somehow it is harder than last year. On a sunny day we do sometimes go a bit further away and that is a nice change. The warmer seasons are so much easier!

Any ideas of making it nicer would be welcomed!

I am unusually well with my asthma, thank goodness.

[Mandevilla]

Can you drive? Maybe travelling a bit further would give you new scenery on your walk and a different microclimate might also help. Where I live is very damp, and I notice that when we go for a walk at our favourite garden, a 15 minute drive from here, my breathing is much easier than if I am walking locally

[Wheezycat in reply to Mandevilla]

A good idea, but for these walks I lke to be just able to step out of the door and go. We have a park near here, as well as a nature reserve, and also some nice grounds round the university just a tiny bit further, all within walking distnce of our home. We are sort of aiming to go a bit further afield on tthe first proper sunny day. We are both longing for it. And, yes, we need a bit more variety, but when it is relentlessy grey and dark it doesn't really appeal.

[fraid]

Love the name!Maybe allergens outside that you don’t usually meet?Tried Cetirizine before you go? My allergies to allsorts set off my asthma, various pollens from plants etc happen at different times.Even cold air can make me cough,idiots with bonfires every time I stick my head out the window etc.Lovely you can get outside,is it just the exertion can spark an attack?Good luck finding a solution. X

[Wheezycat in reply to fraid]

My asthma isn't caused by allergies. My main issues are viruses, cold air (and water) and air pollution, indoors more than outdoors. What happens on 'difficult' days is that I get so breathless from a mixture of cold and probably walking too fast, albeit I am walking slow to very slow in winter. So slow my joints start hurting at times. But worst is that heavy breathing experience. Thus I do take ventolin before setting off, but it still feels like such a huge effort. Can't wait for warmer weather! And sun!

[ChrissieMons]

You could try rewarding yourself with something when you get home - and congratulations! you are doing much better than I am - I want to hibernate until it gets to 10 or 12 degrees C. Do you listen to music while you walk? I find it takes my mind off things and helps with the rhythm of walking. Keep going!

[Wheezycat in reply to ChrissieMons]

Hi, Yes. keeping gping is the thing! Like you a natural response for me would be to hibernate until temperatures reach 10-12 or so. No, I don't listen to music - a year and a half ago I read up on Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) about walking and engaging with the natural environment around you, so that is what I do. It certainly helps! That is my 'trick' to help myself, and I remind myself to look at the trees in the park, listen to the birds etc. Unfortunately it doesn't work always, especially on very grey days. I sort of signed up with the Asthma Uk walking challenge. I have completely failed in collecting money, but it has helped me getting out, so far all days but two. I just wish it wasn't such a chore, but more pleasurable.