I’m ticking off the weeks since my shoulder operation. The pain is subsiding. I saw the consultant, and he emphasised the need for my right arm in a sling for another month minimum. My brain is adapting to left-handedness, but there are so many occasions when you need two hands. I’m not complaining.
This week starts with a mixed forecast but mainly dry, allowing me to walk a few miles most days around the village. What of my 52 Ways to Walk book? I choose another week’s topic that fits my circumstances. Walk Within an Hour of Waking. Walk at Altitude, Walk by the Sea, Walk With a Dog, and others will have to wait.
Those of you who know me will realise I’m not one for the crack of dawn, except when I’m away on a multiday trek. That slothful habit, combined with my present fitful sleeping, doesn’t bode well for the task ahead. But I don’t need to be up at an unearthly hour – just walk within an hour of rising. That fits in perfectly with my first leisurely morning coffee.
The purpose of this early walk is to stimulate your receptors with natural light at the start of the day. A quick burst of cortisol and serotonin prepares one for the day ahead. I’m all for that, especially at this time of year when feeling sluggish. For years, the importance of bright natural light in winter has been recognised as a way to combat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), also known as the Winter Blues. (Symptoms: Low mood, lack of interest in hobbies, guilt, irritability, difficulty concentrating, craving carbohydrates, and oversleeping.) Recognise those? Somewhere, I have a ‘lightbox’ for therapy, but I always forget about it until about now.
Natural winter sunlight is what is needed. Hence, walking within an hour of waking, it doesn’t have to be a long walk, I aim to get back for my second coffee within half an hour. I’m feeling rather smug with my early morning walks, and probably more refreshed for the day ahead. Today, son number one visited to help out with transport. We had the chance later to drive up the fell for a glorious walk on the forest tracks, not a stile or ford in sight. A welcome change of scenery. Still no one-handed photographs, but I will leave you with this little number from 1966!
All positive – keep them coming.
I liked the song. It says “remastered” which I don’t know much about but I can guess from the word itself. However, the sound quality was remarkably crisp and clear on my Mac internal speakers which although not bad are hardly hi-fi.
I’m always up early while the better half loves a lie in. However, unless I’m on a walking break or have a daytime excursion planned, I tend to lounge around for a few hours, going out later in the day. I’m definitely a SAD person so perhaps I need to try this out. Mind you, we’re over the worst of the dismal days now!
I usually forget my SAD light until spring when it’s not needed.
It’s good to know your shoulder is getting less painful BC. My walk within an hour of rising – actually 20 minutes after getting out of bed – is less than 100 yards along the street to work at 7am. I did comment on your previous post but it seems to have disappeared into the ether.
You won’t get a lot of sunshine in 100yds.
I don’t understand the web’s ether, sorry your comment went astray.
I finish work at 9.15 and I’m free for the rest of the day then so I can enjoy any sunshine we get.
That sounds like a good work/play balance.
Is Revolver the best Beatles album? Totally pointless question I know, but the kind of inanity which keeps me occupied. A walk within an hour of waking sounds good. In fact, I’m liking the sound of this book, I may have to investigate.
Good to listen to the golden oldies.
I’m ambivalent to the 52 Ways book. I was somewhat sceptical about her ‘science’, which becomes repetitive – basically, any walking is good for your health, as you know. But its chapter headings have been a useful crutch for my posts whilst I’m limited with my walking.