Why Do I Feel Good?

When you are feeling anxious or jittery or stressed, it can be difficult to pull yourself out of feeling that way. You may have your own techniques to help you cope and for me, it’s walking. Getting outside and looking around the beautiful scenery makes me smile and forget about my anxiety. Focusing on what’s ahead or around is, without realising it a way to stay in the present. You aren’t suddenly transported to another place or mindset but your mind calmly moves its fixation onto something else.

I have just returned from a walk, before I went out, I was feeling a bit flat because it is Sunday which means work in the morning. I could have easily stayed sitting on the sofa, however, I knew it would be a great idea to get out there. So I popped my headphones in and put on a funny podcast and off I went. The clouds were threatening, but the sun held on and I had really good walk for about an hour.

When I got back, it occurred to me the walk may be the main reason why I feel good, however there are a few other contributing factors which helped. We tend to forget about the other small points as exercise makes us feel great so we attribute our new mood to it. But there are several factors why we feel good afterwards and it isn’t just because of the endorphins. Below are six small points that contributed to me feeling good whilst on my walk. If you did the same walk as me, the chances are yours would be different. Have a read and see what you think.

Podcasts – There are millions out there to choose from and it can be difficult to pick. Putting on a funny podcast really helped to lighten my mood and make me laugh out loud during my walk. Never underestimate the power of a podcast. They are amazing.

People – I met a number of people on my walk and most of them said hello. Meeting smiling or chatty people is another good mood boost. Isn’t it good when a stranger says hello? You feel noticed and important in that moment.

Animals or wildlife – There were plenty birds and butterflies. The path I was on has a few wild flower areas and the butterflies were everywhere. It was lovely to see so many of them. As I watched for a moment, I thought they always appear happy fluttering by. I had a sweet encounter with a dog further along. A lady was walking her labradoodle just ahead of me and as I walked by, it followed me and wanted me to play, it was bouncing about so I chatted to the dog and the lady whilst this dog was super happy to see me. The woman said, ‘it’s like she knows you’. I had never seen that dog before, but it made me smile so much as it was very friendly and super soft.

Sun – Walking in the sun, feeling the warmth on your skin (with sunscreen of course), helps to lighten your mood and makes nature look pretty darn good too. Everyone is much happier when the sun shines. On my walk it made the water sparkle and the clouds brighter. Plus the sun means I get to wear my sunglasses and they don’t get out much at the moment as it has been rainy recently.

Water bottle – Despite it being a quick walk, with the sun shining, I knew it would be a good idea to take some water with me. After about 30 minutes, as I walked up to a viewpoint, I stopped and took a refreshing drink. Ahh bliss. You can’t beat a cold water when the sun is beating down on you.

Scenery – The walk I did today is beautiful, it is partly on a coastal path and looks out over the water and to a few small islands, so there is always something to look at. Today there were many windsurfers out and lots of sailing boats. Lots of people enjoying the water as I looked on. I really am lucky for where I live as the paths are never short of some amazing views. Part of the walk is through the woods, and the trees are a lovely reminder to me to slow down and enjoy what is in front of you. Don’t rush by the trees as they have been there for many many years, enjoy them. If only they could talk and tell me the changes they have seen in the area.

For me, walking is key to helping me have good mental health. Yours might be running or gardening. So the next time you are about to embark on exercise or any activity you enjoy that helps to lift your mood and your spirit, think about what else you do, use, see or feel at the same time that contributes to your feelings afterwards. Sometimes it’s these little things that make all the difference.

Thank you for reading, have a lovely week and look after you.

Love Emma xx