Last week  I reported that a long overdue physical at my family doctor’s office revealed that my blood pressure was too high, and if I didn't get it down I would have to take medication. I had led myself to believe that keeping up with a toddler was keeping me in shape, and I wasn’t going to get all those nasty and annoying health problems that catch up with us as we grow older. So what changes have I actually made to get into better shape, and has my blood pressure gone down?

Well, before I left on holidays I started walking the dogs most evenings. It felt good and I was away from the refrigerator for at least one half an hour. Additionally, I started paying close attention to just how much I was eating. Now, that is not something new to me, having once been a “graduate” and employee of Weight Watchers. Unfortunately, sometimes when I begin focusing on what and how much I eat, I get a little tense about it and eat more, often packing on a few more unnecessary pounds. I think that has leveled off.

Now I’m in California where it is not cooler but not nearly as humid, and I’m outside a lot with my energetic daughter Ella and my friend. I had an “aha” moment this morning at the park: being outside made me feel better mentally and physically, even if I wasn’t jogging. Fresh air and open spaces do wonders for the mind, clearing it of the cobwebs that take up too much space and making room for positive thoughts.

Blood pressure is certainly influenced by our life style, and after I bought a blood pressure machine I noticed just how mine would go up when I was tense or upset. Relaxation is a good start to lower blood pressure and a better life – being outside relaxes me.

So if last week I learned that I need to lose weight, get more exercise and cut sodium to lower my blood pressure, this week I learned that the more time I spend outside, the closer I may come to reaching that goal. What won’t work for me is walking when it is hot and humid, joining a gym, or trying to lose a lot of weight quickly. As a matter of fact, I’m even thinking of going back to Weight Watchers. And yes, the last time I took my blood pressure it was down over 10 points on the top (systolic) number and a little less on the bottom. Slowly but surely I'm making progress.

• Weight Watchers
• Mizfit (a fellow Guatemama who is a fitness guru and has a great website to help you get into shape)

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