FREE Resources
We are here to help you on your journey. For more regular information, advice and details of upcoming events, please sign up to receive our free monthly newsletter.
Walking is my new health hero
Walking is now my all-round health hero
Ok, so anyone who knows me, knows I like to do things quickly and walking has always seemed too slow to be a good form of cardio or weight loss exercise. However, after a recent back injury I was compelled to give it a try. One month later, I realise I have seriously under-rated walking – I’ve met some nice neighbours (who I will quietly admit I have actually never seen before), my back and hip pain has significantly improved (I no longer yelp as I stride out), I’ve enjoyed listening to some great podcasts on the way, got some vitamin D in the process and my day has begun to feel ‘mentally lighter’ – and IT'S ALL FOR FREE!!!!!
In this week’s blog we look at all the reasons it is such a health hero not only for your physical health and life longevity but also to help reduce the stress and anxiety levels and pump you full of all the good stuff (happy hormones), putting that bounce back in your step for the day.
Improves your physical health
One of the biggest benefits of walking is that it improves your overall cardiovascular health, ie your heart, blood vessels, and blood! Walking thirty minutes per day is enough to increase your heart rate, improve circulation and lower your blood pressure – all of which is good for your cardiovascular health.
It also helps maintain a healthy weighty reducing excess body fat and boosting metabolism, lowers blood pressure, blood sugar and insulin levels, and reduces a lot of other health complaints
Improves your fitness, reduces joint pains
Ok so you can't dawdle, but as long as you get the heart rate up you can avoid the expensive gym fees and fill your lungs with fresh air rather than aircon. Consistent and regular walking regimes engage various muscle groups in the hips and the core which makes your endurance for everyday tasks better. As well as improving muscles, walking will also give you better posture, balance, and coordination.
It is a really effective way to also reduce body pain. When you walk regularly for exercise, this helps to lubricate and strengthen the muscles around stiff and painful joints. Walking also reduces excess body fat which can also be causing pressure and strain on the body’s joints and muscles. For a menopausal woman who suffers from intermittent hip and knee pain, the walking is a gift.
Improves your mental health
One of the biggest benefits of walking is the positive effect it can have on your mental health. Not only does going for a brisk walk release your endorphins, the increased blood flow and oxygen in your body can also stimulate brain function and creativity.
If you decide to take your walk outside, you’ll also be ensuring that you’re getting your daily dose of Vitamin D which in turn lowers the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
So get out there girl and give walking a go. I once mocked walkers, and now I feel a deep sense of shame. How shallow I now seem.
She is my new health hero x
Sign up for the FREE Monthly Newsletter
We invite you to sign up to our free monthly newsletter for expert advice, support and details of upcoming events.
You will also go into the monthly draw to attend a webinar of your choice.
Questions about our online
Counselling or Coaching Services?
Medicare rebate or private medical insurance claim for psychological services?
Most clients prefer to book directly with with our counsellors. No referral is required to access this counselling service.
During the first session, you can discuss the benefits of seeking a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP should you wish to pursue this path moving forward and you are booking with a registered psychologist. If you require a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) you will need to make a long appointment with your GP and they will make an assessment about whether you are eligible.
All of our registered psychologists are registered with Medicare and you will need a referral from a GP if you wish to claim Medicare rebates. Under the Better Access program you can receive a partial rebate for up to 10 individual sessions in a calendar year.
All our psychologists are registered with private health insurance providers in Australia. If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible to claim rebates for psychological sessions. The level of cover and any applicable waiting periods vary between providers and depends on your extras cover policy.
To find out if you are eligible and/or how much funding you are entitled to claim for psychological sessions, please contact your private health insurance.
Where applicable, some of our psychologists also see clients who are self-managed or plan-managed through NDIS at the current rate for NDIS.
Cancellation or missed sessions policy
Given the nature of our support services, last minute cancellations are costly, and it means that other clients may miss out on receiving the required support. For cancellations within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment there is a $65 part fee payment. For less than 24 hours cancellation notice or a non-show, the full session fee will need to be charged. These fees are refunded however if the session can be filled at the last minute.
How are your counselling and coaching sessions held?
We know our clients are time poor. For your convenience, all our counselling or coaching sessions are now available online via Zoom.
You can book your appointment online via this website.
Zoom allows us to connect with you via video and audio. It just requires you to click on a link to join. You can sign up to Zoom to create a FREE account and download the Zoom Client for Meetings. Zoom does require internet connections.
After you book you will be sent a reminder about the booking and emailed a link to connect at the booked time. You are also likely to be sent a client information form to complete prior to your initial consultation to enable our Counsellors and Coaches to be better prepared for your first meeting.
If you are unable to make any of the dates available, please email us to see if we can accommodate an alternate time for you: [email protected]
If you live in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, Queensland, we are available for face to face consultations. Please email us at [email protected] if you would like to arrange an in person appointment.
Are your workshops in person or online?
Our regular workshops, book club and events are offered offered online and in person at various venues.
You are very welcome to sign up to receive more information about upcoming workshops and events on offer and all the fabulous book club information . CLICK HERE
We are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This website uses cookies to analyze website traffic and optimise your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.
DISCLAIMER: The material contained on this website is for general educational and information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, medical or psychological advice or care. While every care has been taken in the information provided, no legal responsibility or liability is accepted, warranted or implied by the authors or Family Counselling Support Network and any liability is hereby expressly disclaimed. For specific advice please contact us at [email protected]. All information contained on the website remains the intellectual property of Family Counselling Support Network and is for your personal educational use only. The information must not be reproduced or distributed without the express permission of Family Counselling Support Network.
Family Counselling Support Network acknowledges and respects the First Nations Custodians of the land where our offices stand, and where we work to help Australians. We pay respects to their Elders, past present and emerging, lore, customs and creation spirits. We recognise that these lands have always been places of ceremony, teaching, research and learning, and we acknowledge the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples play in our community.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment where people and communities of all identities and backgrounds are accepted, safe and celebrated.
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions