Walk a Mile in My Shoes...Better Yet, Walk a Mile in YOUR Shoes

Some of us remember the old song, "Walk a Mile in My Shoes".  The basis of the song is one of commiserating with the singer and the hard times he has experienced. He's pretty well down and out. And, he'd like us to experience that as well to better understand his mood.


That song just never did it for me.


How about we just all put on our own shoes and literally walk a mile?


The recent health study on Pike County shows that in the area of morbidity, we rank 91st out of 92 counties. Yikes. What does morbidity mean? This particular study looked at  areas that comprise their definition of morbidity, namely  poor physical health days and poor mental health days.


What to do--what to do?


Let's start with the simple. It's pretty out today and will, more than likely to be pretty more than it's not considering it's April. Besides that, like it or not, it's not really dark until nearly 9:00 p.m. these days. So... when you get up, or get in from work, or take a general notion, put on some comfy shoes and walk a mile in them. Can't do that much at first? That's okay. Set your sights on half a mile--a quarter mile--up and down the driveway. Anything will suffice as long as you're moving. One down--that pesky poor physical health days measure.


If your health is currently in jeopardy, of course you'll want to first check with your doctor. 


People tend to burn themselves out with grandiose notions of jogging a mile or five. Recent studies have shown what people for generations have know--walking does wonders. And, it's cheap. A decent pair of shoes and you're on your way--truly.


Research on humans and their moods has shown conclusively that when we're engaged in something we enjoy, our mood is elevated. We feel happier, or at least more content. Get up and moving about tends to have that effect. When you have a goal--no matter how small--and you accomplish it, you feel better. Another natural mood enhancer. Two down--less poor mental health days.


Give a trip around the block a try. Time to go out, get some fresh air, look at all the green that's appearing everywhere. Your mood will get better and maybe the next time you walk your body will be more willing, too.