The Next Step: Start Walking! 

Stress Relief - takes only minutes.

But Stress Management - that takes Balance.

Body, Mind and Spirit Balance.

• Body: diet and exercise
• Mind: goals and plans
• Spirit: fitness & Nature

For Body: begin with diet and exercise.

Now - Don't ask us what you can eat.  Ask your doctor.

But for exercise - we know any doctor will tell you - walking exercise is fundamental.  And walking - by itself - relieves stress.

In fact: simple walking is probably the best stress reliever there is.  A stress management plan incorporating regular walking exercise is essential.

And physiologically-there's nothing better for you than walking.  So - for your mind and body - start walking!  It's easy.  It's essential.  And you will feel better.

That's great!  Now - What's the catch?

The catch is - high dropout rate.  Most exercise programs - walking included - have high drop out rates.  Over a predictable period of time - most people will tend to just quit. 

Why?  For two very simple reasons: 

• Foot Pain
• Boredom

Foot Pain - On average: foot pain takes about 6 weeks before it's too much.  Even for a sincerely motivated and dedicated walker. 

Boredom - takes a little longer.  About 6 months.  After that, people tend to drift away to something else. 

Let's face it.  Most people don't like pain - especially foot pain.  And most exercise routines can get pretty dull.  Foot pain & tedium will wear you down.  And that's not how you manage stress.

Now - The Good News.

• Foot pain doesn't mean it's a foot problem!
• Walking exercise can be lifetime fun!  When it's fun - we call it Hiking!

Foot Pain.  For most people with foot pain - "It ain't your feet; it's your shoes". That's why at Coffee Ridge Hiking.com. We endorse Keen. They're consistent. More people find more foot pain relief with Keens than any other footwear we know of.

Walking. Stress Relief walking. Fitness walking. Exercise walking. Weight loss walking. Cardiac rehab walking. Lifetime walking.  When it's fun - We call it Hiking! Coffee Ridge Hiking! Let's Go!

Relieve Stress & Feel Better in Ten Minutes?  You can!  Here's how!  It's all about balance!

Stress.  Anxiety.  Anger.  Fear.  Depression.  Powerful.  Primitive.  Simple.  Universal.  Feelings & emotions we all know & experience.

Stress management.  Overcoming anxiety.  Anger management.  Conquering fear & depression?

Of these - managing stress - is possibly the easiest, most beneficial and the most useful for managing the rest.  So - let's talk about stress.

Stress management?  It's all about balance!  Stress management.  Health & wellness.  Feeling better.  It's all about balance!  Healthy balance.  Body, mind and spirit balance.  Sounds simple.  Sounds a little hokey.  May even sound stupid.  But it's true!

Finding Balance.  Now, realistically - for most people and other mortals - a complete state of perfect balance is unattainable.  So - don't worry about it!

However.  The nature of Nature is to seek balance - not chaos.  And We - as rational, reasoning, intelligent & aware creatures - should do the same.

Finding Balance & Reducing Stress in 10 Short Minutes?  Balance and stress reduction - are but two of the true benefits of hiking.  And a good brisk walk or a nice easy day hike is the best answer for balance and stress I know of!  But.  Even the most basic day hike takes a little planning.  Some preparation.  And usually - more than 10 minutes.

So.  How can you find balance and reduce stress in 10 short minutes?  Easy!  By use of a very simple, very old - mental focus exercise.  Used by countless generations of skilled hunters.  And passed down to today's aware and seasoned hikers.  These are exercises to focus the mind.  Direct your attention inward & outward.  And stretch the limits of your eyes your ears - all your senses.  And by doing so - can quickly, naturally & automatically relieve stress.  Calm anxiety.  And even soothe some depression.

Now don't laugh.  Keep reading.  This really works!  Try this on your next coffee break.  Or in your own backyard!

Step One.  Step outside.  This will work better amongst the trees and birds and such.  If your on break - bring your coffee.

Step Two.  Find the nearest reasonably outdoorsy spot.  Slowly walk to it.

Step Three.  Stand up straight.  Stand comfortably & naturally.  But stand up straight.  Stand still.  Don't fidget.  Don't scratch.  Get centered.  And balanced.  Clear your mind.  Don't think of anything.  Now - feel the pull of gravity.  Stay centered.  Balanced.  And comfortable.  Relax.  Breathe.  Now - Carefully, gently try to energize every muscle in your body.  All at the same time.  Now - While still gently energizing all muscles - concentrate also on sensationalizing every square inch of yer skin - pelt.  Concentrate!  Now - While still energizing & concentrating - try to visualize and realize your innards: heart lungs gizzard & liver, brain.  Don't forget to breathe!

Step Four.  Now - after of spell - go ahead and relax.  Breathe.  Stretch a little.  Scratch if you have to.  Breathe.  Stretch.  Scratch.  Fidget.  Belch.  Fart.  Laugh if you want too.  Take a sip of coffee.  Enjoy it all!

Step Five.  Stand up straight again.  Naturally & comfortably.  Get recentered.  Rebalanced.  Sufficiently reenergized.  And by now - aware.  Breathe.

Step Six.  Observe.  Look around.  Find north.  Look.  Listen.  Smell the air.  Check the weather.  Scan the far horizon.  Middle horizons.  And close horizons.  Scan in 360 degress - all around you.

Step Seven.  Listen.  Listen carefully.  Seperate sounds: wind from traffic.  Wind in trees.  Near / far sounds.  Loud / faint noise.  This direction and that.  Now - find birds.  Listen.  Locate.  And identify as many birds as you can by sight & sound.

Step Eight.  Drink some coffee.  Enjoy the rest of your ten minutes!  And the rest of your day!