Hiking as Mood Booster

First, to every single person who commented on my last post: thank you! You all said some things I needed to hear, gave me advice, and made me feel cared about. I am brutally honest on this blog about the realities of my life (my disordered eating, my grief and depression) because I want to connect with others, get through this together. Let others who are struggling know they aren't alone. And to let people know that maintaining a healthy body is possible and IMPORTANT when fighting depression. I am not AS honest about it in real life, to my real life friends, because it is so much harder to admit face-to-face that I am sick. But, as I said, doctor's appointments are approaching and there is light at the end of this tunnel.

So.

Went on my hike yesterday - another 9 miler up a High Peak (Phelps Mountain this time!). I carried my snowshoes on my pack, but never put them on. The snowfall hasn't been much this month and the trail was really packed out. We did have to wear microspikes to deal with the ice and lack of traction, though.

Let me just say: what a WORLD of difference a week makes! I felt so much stronger, so much more capable, and had not one bit of trouble climbing the mountain. In fact, I felt exhilarated.

The last mile of the hike is straight ascent, too. And I just walked right on up (obviously paused a few times to catch my breath) but never took a full break. My heart, lungs, muscles and brain were all working efficiently and harmoniously :D

I am still pretty stressed and obviously dealing with some depressive issues - but I am not so deep into these problems that I am not doing the things I need to do to get me out to the other side. The hike, the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, the feeling of ACCOMPLISHMENT and strength.... it all helped a ton. Best medicine there is!!!

Best not to wallow, sometimes. And sometimes, that's really hard to remember. But yesterday was so worth it.

Some pictures from the day:

If you can enlarge - there is a bard owl hidden among the branches :D So cool!!!

My big hiking group hanging out on a frozen lake :D

The icy conditions!

My calves are really sore this time (last week it was my quads). Going to do some yoga and walk the dog today to stretch them out!

All my love to you out there <3