Walking is usually one of the most beneficial ways to achieve Stress Relief, and make yourself feel better. However it's not always an easy task to start a walking program, or any exercise program for that matter. Here's a few basic steps that will help you learn how to start walking and start feeling more relaxed.
Shoes and Socks
If your planning to walk you should ensure your feet are protected. If you have a couple of jogging shoes or sneakers that should be fine. Just make sure the cushion in the shoes is sufficient that you are not stepping down hard. If you wish to you could replace the insole with a new one from the drug store. I would recommend a heavier duty insole so you don't wind up wearing it out too quickly. Make sure your socks are snug and tight and does not slide up and down while you walk. This can help you to prevent blisters.
Blisters
In the case that you do develop a blister, don't pop it, or pick at it. Sterilize a straight pin or a safety pin and poke the blister once to create a small hole. Then allow the fluid inside the blister to drain out at it's own pace. You can cover it with a bandage if you want, but you do not have too. You should however cover it with a bandage whenever you go walking again for the following week or so.
Stretching
Before you walk you need to stretch, this is not easy but is important. To start off, Simply bend down to try and touch your toes. If you cannot touch your toes don't worry that is okay, just bend over as much as you can. Hold that position for 10 seconds. If you can touch your toes easily. Sit on the ground spread your legs as far apart as you can and reach for your feet. Do not pull your feet back to you just reach for them, one then the other.
Lastly, if you're able to grab your ankle and pull it up to your rear end do that, if you're not kneel down as best as you can and lean back. The point is to stretch the muscle in the front of your thigh. Do all stretches for about 10 to 30 seconds. You should notice the muscle stretch but not feel pain, if you feel pain stop immediately.
Where to walk
Walking outside is most beneficial if you're able to do it. The daylight will help give you vitamin D and make you feel better and the clean air is always nice. If you're unable to walk outside, a local shopping mall, or even a grocery store or department store can work. For those who have a treadmill that is good as well.
Alone or with people
Whenever you can try to walk with other people. It will make it more social and allow you to reduce stress in general. If however you find that you're getting good enough that you would like to increase your speed, you might want to do a little walking alone. In that case I might suggest a cheap MP3 player with some of your favorite inspirational music added to it. MP3 players are cheap and usually easy to work, just be certain you keep the volume down, we don't want you go deaf now do we?
How long
To see the most health benefits you should try and walk a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes a day, 5 to 6 days a week. But that's not necessarily possible. Should you get started and find that after 5 minutes you can barely stand, then you are done for the day. Congratulations! You did something very good for yourself! Exercise takes time and repetition, so don't kill yourself or you won't live to see the benefits. In the event that walking every day leaves you too sore or stiff, try walking on alternate days for a while then build up to 4 days, then 5, then 6. If you walk for 5 minutes on your first day, walk not less than 5 minutes the next time you walk. If you make it for 5 minutes easily that day, keep going see how long you can go.
How fast
A lot of people set out on their first time walking and rather than trying to walk, they attempt to run, full speed like it's a race, and almost immediately run out of speed or hurt themselves. When you begin, start slow, walk slow for a couple of minutes then pick up speed as you can. A good way to tell if you are working too hard is to try and talk. If you fail to talk comfortably you are working too hard, slow down. What I do is I recite a small Mantra which i learned in hypnotherapy class. Every few minutes while walking say out loud "Every Day in Every Way I am Getting Better and Better" if you can't get through that sentence without puffing you'll want to slow down!
When your done
When you're done, run through your stretching again once or twice, and drink lots of water. Don't gulp it down, but in general try to drink a minimum of 32 ounces of water within the next hour or so after you have walked. This will replenish your system and help to remove lactic acid. Lactic acid is a byproduct that's created when your muscles begin working. It's what makes you stiff the day after. Drinking water will help your body to remove the lactic acid so you won't be as stiff the next day.
The 10 Step Program
To assist you I have come up with an easy to follow 10 Step program for you! Only move to the next level when you're able to walk comfortably for the minimum length of time listed, without pain or losing your breath.
Walk up to 15 minutes a day 3 times a week.
Walk up to 30 minutes a day 3 times a week.
Walk up to 45 minutes a day 3 times a week.
Walk up to 60 minutes a day 3 times a week.
Walk 60 minutes a day 3 times a week, and up to 15 minutes a day 1 other day a week.
Walk 60 minutes a day 3 times a week, and up to 15 minutes a day 2 other day a week.
Walk 60 minutes a day 3 times a week, and up to 15 minutes a day 3 other day a week.
Walk 60 minutes a day 3 times a week, and up to 30 minutes a day 3 other day a week.
Walk 60 minutes a day 3 times a week, and up to 45 minutes a day 3 other day a week.
GOAL! Walk 60 minutes a day 6 times a week
This program might take you as little as 10 weeks, or as long as years. There isn't any prize for getting to the end faster. Move at the speed that is best for you, and the speed that your body feels comfortable with, and you will definitely start to see the benefits of your work very quickly in how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally!