The restorative power of nature

If you read Friday’s blog then you may well remember that I was in London this weekend for a good friend’s wedding on Saturday.

It was spectacular. Beautiful weather and the most amazing setting in an old London Manor House.

Here are a few photos to set the scene.

As you will see in one of the photos I even managed to watch 30 minutes of a cricket match after arriving at the venue 45 minutes early. It was a wonderful British setting.

The festivities drew on late into the early morning and as I found myself 4 kilometres from home at 4 a.m. I decided to not take a taxi and instead walk back through Richmond Park witnessing the sunrise and the wildlife. Again here are a few photos to share.

Roll on the Sunday and after merely four hours of sleep I found myself at Gatwick Airport. Even 2.5 hours before my due takeoff, the signs were not good.

The message on the board informed us that we would receive more information about our Gate 10 minutes after the flight was due to take off.

Nothing I could do but sit and wait whilst sipping a coconut water in my blurry state.

The conclusion of the journey saw me crawl into my bed at 2:15 a.m. this morning.

My two morning coffees had very little effect on my squinting eyes.

But I know a secret.

I knew that all I had to do was get to the woods and start my walk with the dogs.

Instant energy appeared. It is as if the high energy of the dogs transfers over to me and the peaceful and beautiful surroundings only add to this.

Whereas my walk to barnehage this morning was slow and laborious, within 2 minutes of walk 1 I was bounding up a steep incline with the dogs jumping merrily around me.

A good adventure walk in nature revitalizes body and mind.

Whilst my smart watch is trying to tell me to rest up, it would seem that technology and AI do not understand the regenerative power of nature.

So next time that you feel low on energy I’m going to suggest that the solution could well be to grab the dog lead and head out for a good long walk.

Doggies: Mira, Lucy, Haraka and Ellie