There was a trend on social media for a time about taking a “hot girl walk”, which is just a walk outside when you can. I personally found the name hilarious as a trans man, but it really changed my approach to exercise. My previous approach was “avoid it whenever possible”.

Since moving to a mountainous region, my partner has been a huge proponent of getting outside and enjoying nature. This has led to us taking more trails and climbing small mountains in crocs. I find that starting any of those adventures to be less favorable than a root canal or eating a peach pie (I hate peaches), but I find that after, I feel amazing. I feel accomplished and can take that experience with me. Most days, we are just walking around the complex and enjoying our time together. It’s still done wonders for my mental health. I feel less depressed and my anxiety has become more of background noise instead of the thing I’m most focused on.

The act of walking engages multiple parts of your body and brain. This helps us with processing some of the day to day stress, lowering our overall stress and clearing our heads to tackle other issues. Learning more about how exercise and the way it impacts mental health has changed my stance to “do it when you can”.

Walking won’t cure your depression or anxiety, certainly won’t get rid of past trauma, but it will help you to have the ability to deal with it better. You can still get some of the benefits if you aren’t able to walk, sometimes the act of being outside can be a mood booster.

Take your hot gender walk when you can.

If you’re struggling with getting those walks started, therapy might help. Dryad is accepting new clients in Ohio and you can book a phone consultation online.

#mentalhealth #counselor #therapy #counseling #walk #outdoors #crocs