Talk the Talk or Walk the Walk?

As a country, the U.K. seems to be suffering from an increasing amount of mental health issues.

These include, anxiety, and depression.

There are some obvious causes for this and some not so obvious.

Without getting too technical, as humans, we have a fight or flight reaction to anything that we perceive as a threat. 

Threats can be physical such as the fear generated when looking over a cliff, or before sitting an exam. Once the fear is removed, a state of normality returns.

On the other hand, non physical threats such as lack of finances or feelings of being unable to cope, can be long term and affect day to day living.

We can either face up to the threat and find a way of dealing with it, or panic and turn away.

It seems that perhaps a mix of all of these things and more, have combined to form what is known as stress, which has been dubbed the "health epidemic of the 21st century". There are many examples at the moment which can cause stress.

The cost of living has risen very sharply and many people are finding that their monthly sums are not adding up, by the time they pay for rent, mortgage, food, and other costs of daily life.

This is having a huge impact, as people struggle to cope, with many falling by the wayside.

This situation follows on from the pandemic which  also generated many stresses, from health issues to lack of social interaction.

Over and above these triggers, life was already becoming stressful, as most of the general public is living life  at  a relentless pace.

Many new technological advances, the collection of material things, the effects of social media all contribute to an overloading of the brain, resulting in stress.

If untreated, this can turn to anxiety, and possibly depression.

I might add at this point, that there are many medical reasons for mental health issues, but I am only mentioning what might contribute to the  most current common causes.

It seems that no gender or age group escapes. Even children are being diagnosed with mental health issues at a young age.

Women tend to recognize the symptoms and may seek help earlier than men. This may be due to them also coping with hormonal imbalances  or menopause.

What is the answer to all of this?

A trip to the g.p. will probably result in some anxiety lowering medication, and / or, anti depressants.

You may be referred to a specialist in mental health issues or a support group.

Unfortunately, there is a shortage of qualified personnel to deal with these problems, and an inadequate budget.

However, there is much that we can do ourselves.

If the stresses are of a financial nature, there is help out there.

Budgeting has to be reviewed for the whole family and lifestyle.

It is worth talking to your bank, mortgage advisor or building society, as it might be possible to rearrange your monthly outgoings. Debt management schemes also offer advice.

We are all familiar with  the energy situation, which will continue as autumn / winter approaches.

It is important to look after our general health, which means eating healthily and having plenty of sleep.

Again there is plenty of advice, as many are recognizing that it is quite difficult to eat healthily on a tight budget, so a visit to grandma`s recipe book might help.

Because we have to tighten our belts, we may automatically slow down and have less money to spend on some of the things that may be causing stress in the first place, which may actually be a good thing in the long run, as we take stock of the really important things in life.

Exercise has been found to help physical and mental  health. It is not necessary to join an expensive gym, as walking, swimming, gardening, can be done very economically.

I am singling  out walking, and for several reasons.

There is increasing evidence to show that walking has enormous physical and mental health benefits.

Physically, it improves the cardio vascular system by stimulating heart activity which pumps blood around the body carrying oxygen to all areas including the brain.

It strengthens muscle tone and joint mobility, which is particularly important for older people, and it burns up calories which helps combat obesity, which is linked to diabetes and high blood pressure.

Mentally, it activates parts of the brain which produce chemicals which promote a positive, calm feeling, resulting in an  improved  outlook if feeling anxious and depressed.

A good walk in fresh air can improve sleep pattern.

The link between walking and nature is probably one of the most significant benefits.

A walk can be to work, school or shops, or can be taken in a green space or by water such as in a park or in the country. Even better is through some trees or by the sea. 

The close proximity to nature has a visually calming effect and can be intensified by other things of the natural world such as plants or sea shells.

A walk  stimulates  the senses, as many of these things are not only visually pleasing, but have a distinctive impact such as the smell of the sea, sound of birdsong, or the touch of textural things such as leaves and rocks.

A walk in a busy city will have some physical benefits, and depending on what is available to be visually calming, may have a bit of mental benefit such as walking to an art gallery, and viewing some pictures,  but for maximum effect, it is best to try for something  more nature based . 

Although not necessary, it has been found that it is also  therapeutic to have company when walking. 

Company provides social interaction, and another physical presence. It can be with a family member, friend, or a group. 

Many people find that if they have any mental health concerns, they can perhaps discuss them when out  among nature, as it tends to put things in perspective. Feedback from someone else can be useful and may diffuse a situation which is causing stress.

You may meet others when out walking and stop for a chat, which is also good social interaction.

Don`t always wait for the sunshine. A walk on a wet and windy day can be an extremely problem solving environment. I like nothing better than getting kitted out and  pitting myself against the wind and rain.

Walking is free, which is a huge bonus at this expensive time. A walk helps you feel grounded and is well worth the effort which it may take to get started.

Some schools   promoting  the "Daily Mile" initiative of walking within school grounds, find that it improves pupils` fitness, mental agility and concentration.

If you haven`t tried it, give it a shot, even just for a short distance. I can almost guarantee you will feel an improvement afterwards.

There are of course some people who will be unable to walk for a variety of reasons.

Location, physical health or inability to leave the house, may be reasons why walking can`t be considered.

Rather than completely dismiss the idea, why not just open a window if you can, try and breathe in hopefully reasonably clean air, and perhaps watch a t.v. or YouTube nature programme which will at least give you some calming visual content of the natural world.

Disclaimer: The above blog is of a very general nature and  suggestions for improved physical  and mental health have been well documented in various studies. Anyone wishing to take  forward any of the suggested material is completely responsible for their own planning and interpretation.