So asked challenger Jax May, and as always the #walk1000miles community was ready with advice and support.
“I desperately want to get myself out walking but I’m terrified of going alone because of anxiety. Any ideas please as I need to do this” asked Jax, and no-one could fail to be moved by her determination and frankness.
It’s a more common anxiety than you might think and the community was quick with its encouragement and suggestions. Here are some of the most helpful:
Start with small goals
“Like walking to the end of your road and then gradually increasing” said Karen Feeney. “Let someone know where you’ll be walking and just take one day at a time”. Liz Rayner concurred: “Start small but go every day, more than once each day if you feel you can, even if it is only for 5 minutes to start with. Once that is OK increase the the time slowly. It will soon grow.”
Keep calm
There’s various ways to do it. Penny Ward recommends holding your own hand: “It creates a kind of meditative stance which is soothing” and Toni Cooke agreed: “This is surprisingly effective also stroking one's own arm can be very soothing.” “Practise mindfulness” recommends Hannah Clewer: “Look at details and surroundings.... patterns on leaves, small insects,the sound of water, wind, leaves fluttering.” Debbie Williams swears by “Bachs rescue remedy. Herbal and a couple drops under the tongue is ace. My ex husband uses it to help with his anxiety. Highly recommend it.”
Occupy yourself
Jen Mcloughlin sets herself small challenges: “Think of a few things you want to spot on your walk. You could start with the alphabet. So today start with the letter A & find things starting with that letter. Take a pic & when you get back home make a collage of your pics on your phone & post them on here. That’s what I do when I’m walking on my own in the park.” Kate Suominen likes to make up stories “…or plan holidays, talk to the dog, sometimes myself. If it gets bad I call a friend or mom to distract myself a bit. Walk with head up, shoulders back. Start small, and praise yourself! Reward yourself (not with food) – doesn’t have to be expensive things. I often got a new Kindle book or something like that.”
Embrace the solitude
“Being anxious about walking alone is completely understandable” says Paul Williams, “But it can be lovely doing so. I've got a dog and walk alone daily usually on quiet paths. It's a completely personal thing but I wouldn't wear headphones for several reasons. I enjoy the tranquility of walking along a lovely path. Also I’d have thought it would make you more prone to being surprised by runners or cyclists coming up behind you. My own suggestion is initially to pick paths that are fairly open and have a reasonable number of other walkers. Also it's good to pick somewhere nice to just sit for a while maybe to have a drink or snack. It gives you a chance to say hi to anybody else walking past and helps.
Cut down the ‘What ifs’
You can blank off anxieties and give confidence have a chance to grow by taking a few simple (in all likelihood unnecessary) steps. Have the What3Words app on your phone so you can communicate your location should you need to (you almost certainly won’t.) Carry a panic alarm so you know that’s should you ever need it (you almost certainly won’t). Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back (it’ll be nice to talk to them anyway). The walking itself will encourage your mind to get things into a reasonable perspective.
Connect with others
Potential companions are all around, whether it’s fellow 1000-milers meeting up (you can post in the group, join or create an event), the local Walking For Health-, Ramblers- or Nordic walking group. Reach out.
““I felt the same as you a few years ago. It was nerve-wracking but I just did it one day – started with a relatively local walk. It was fine. I found it liberating in fact disappointing that I hadn’t done it years before! You can do it.””
