Aerobic exercise has always worked best for me, but the older I get, the harder it is to consistently maintain a high level of it. I get in about 30 minutes of hiking a day, when I really should be doing 60-plus to get the full benefits.
I live in a valley in Upstate South Carolina that is surrounded by mountains. We're lucky to have 15 acres and have blazed a mile-long trail through our forest that runs along a feisty creek. There's about 300 feet of elevation change, so it's probably equivalent to walking 2 miles, in terms of aerobics. My wife and I walk it every day with our cat, who follows along loyally like a dog would.
That sounds beautiful, both your little piece of heaven and that daily habit of walking with your wife. I also had a cat that followed me like a dog would. Best little guy in the world.
You gotta keep it up Jim. Although I must admit hiking 60+ minutes a day would be quite an ask. But you could mix it up? Cycling, paddling, and hiking. Whatever's the most fun.
It's so great to do solo or pair with a chat with a friend. Old or new.
Ahhhh this is SO true - gotta have your own air mask on or there's no point!! I think when we get stressed out with work, life and all the things we often put ourselves last. But that is the wrong way to go about it - I'm starting to learn to put myself first, but that doesn't happen if I don't have good systems!
It's a counterintuitive habit, but putting yourself first is a good way to be a better partner too. In business and work. Giving too much of yourself can have many negative consequences. Resentment and burnout being two obvious ones.
Aerobic exercise has always worked best for me, but the older I get, the harder it is to consistently maintain a high level of it. I get in about 30 minutes of hiking a day, when I really should be doing 60-plus to get the full benefits.
What side of the world do you live? Where do you get to go hiking daily?
I live in a valley in Upstate South Carolina that is surrounded by mountains. We're lucky to have 15 acres and have blazed a mile-long trail through our forest that runs along a feisty creek. There's about 300 feet of elevation change, so it's probably equivalent to walking 2 miles, in terms of aerobics. My wife and I walk it every day with our cat, who follows along loyally like a dog would.
That sounds beautiful, both your little piece of heaven and that daily habit of walking with your wife. I also had a cat that followed me like a dog would. Best little guy in the world.
You gotta keep it up Jim. Although I must admit hiking 60+ minutes a day would be quite an ask. But you could mix it up? Cycling, paddling, and hiking. Whatever's the most fun.
It's so great to do solo or pair with a chat with a friend. Old or new.
Ahhhh this is SO true - gotta have your own air mask on or there's no point!! I think when we get stressed out with work, life and all the things we often put ourselves last. But that is the wrong way to go about it - I'm starting to learn to put myself first, but that doesn't happen if I don't have good systems!
Scrappy systems? 😉
It's a counterintuitive habit, but putting yourself first is a good way to be a better partner too. In business and work. Giving too much of yourself can have many negative consequences. Resentment and burnout being two obvious ones.
Thanks again for the inspiring post.