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The difference walking makes for Nancy’s mental health

“The biggest difference has been to my mental health. I tend to overthink things. Getting out on a walk is the best thing for me.”

Nancy has always enjoyed walking regularly with friends as a way to manage her diabetes. After heart bypass surgery 2 years ago, she was not able to walk the distances she was used to. She started looking a gentle activity to build her fitness back up.

A friend was part of a Health Walk and invited Nancy along. She decided to give it a go.

“Starting something new is a bit daunting, but the group was great. Everybody was very friendly and chatty. I did not feel left out.”

During the walk, the Walk Leader checked in to make sure Nancy felt comfortable and that the pace worked for her.  Nancy kept going back each week, and slowly but surely, she walked her way towards recovery.

“The walks motivated me on days when I was feeling awful and did not have the energy. But I went anyway and slowly got better and fitter. I’m now no longer breathless or in pain.”

Now, Nancy squeezes in extra steps where she can throughout the day. She walks to the Health Walk instead of taking the car.

Nancy has found that the walks help her mental health too. She’s gotten to know others who go along each week, with the companionship helping her come out of her shell.

“I would recommend everybody takes the advantage to get out more. There are no words that are good enough to describe the benefits of walking. So, if anybody out there wants to feel better, it only takes one step at a time.”