‘Just taking the dog for a walk … a necessary chore’ …. Really??? ….
For me it is a joy to watch my little four legged treasure jump over grass tuffs, racing over to a tree, per chance to get a squirrel to come out of hiding, finding puddles filled with rain water to lap from, his big brown eyes checking up on me to make sure I am keeping up pace with him.
There is such a precious bonding happening on our walks.
Well, not everyone has the privilege to be taken for a walk by a high energy, spirited animal exuberant with the joy of running across muddy paths, picking up bits of freshly cut grass on his white paws and legs, getting himself tangled in large branches scattered from the last heavy wind, a happy fur kid with no worries just full of excitement for whatever fullness of life offers.
Consciously breathing in the morning air, just being present with utmost gratitude makes all the difference.
Being out in nature is even more important especially now in these times of uncertainty and stress!
Grounding appears to improve sleep, normalises the day-night cortisol rhythm, reduce pain, reduce stress, shift the autonomic nervous system from sympathetic toward parasympathetic activation, increase positive heart rate variability, speed wound healing, and reduce blood viscosity.
Research shows that grounding reduces inflammation, improves blood pressures,
and boosts the immune system.
Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the onset and progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
There are various ways of grounding and “earthing”. Probably the best is walking barefoot over grass, earthy paths, and such like.
Maybe not so comfortable during cold winter months, but by simply being out in nature, touching trees, branches and plants with your hands, and simply being present with help.
This type of self-care is important at any time in your life, but as we grow older and wish to avoid age related issues, this type of self-care, self-love becomes mandatory.
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