Beyond the Cul-de-Sac

A beautiful day by the creek

My husband gets credit for the title of this blog post. When I asked him this morning if he wanted to take a walk after breakfast, he said, "Beyond the cul-de-sac?" and then, "That would be a great name for a blog post." So here, it is!

The significance of that phrase is that I've been struggling all summer--really most of the past year--with low energy and more fatigue than usual. Between trying to find the right combination of treatments for my hypothyroidism, and my battles the past few months with severe yeast overgrowth, my energy and stamina have been much lower than usual. So, my daily walks have mostly been around our cul-de-sac--yup, exciting, around a small circle! When I feel I can manage a bit more, I walk our cul-de-sac and the next one over, but any further in our neighborhood involves too many hills. Once in a while, if I'm out for a medical appointment, I stop at a local paved walking path and stroll the flat parts, about 10-15 minutes.

So, that's why my husband was excited when I proposed a walk today "beyond the cul-de-sac"! We drove to a beautiful creek-side path we love. It's very flat (my heart rate barely went above 90), and we walked slowly. The humidity dropped today, which is why I suggested a walk, and this spot is so peaceful and restorative. I love listening to the sound of the bubbling creek alongside us. 

As I explain in my book, scientific studies show that time spent in nature provides measurable improvements in both mental and physical health--it even improves immune function! Studies also prove that even looking at pictures of nature can produce some of these beneficial results. So, here's my gift to you on this beautiful Sunday. If you're not able to get out and enjoy nature where you are, I will share ours with you here (and to hear the water and see the sunlight, check out my video short):

Someone left behind some nature artwork!

Cool and comfortable in the shade

My happy place

Looking down-creek

And up-creek

A lovely morning along the water!

How do YOU enjoy nature?