No Fog at Sea

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On Monday the youngest, who was paying us another flying visit, and I went for a coastal walk, blowing the proverbial cobwebs away. It was a complete change of scenery and colour. Day after day, I am surrounded by the beauty of the countryside but it is definitely green and not blue. Grass and trees sway silently in the gentle summer breezes. Looking out at the North Sea, the waves came crashing in and the expanse of sky above an empty beach created a sweeping azure-soaked panorama.

After weeks in the city on the youngest's part and in the countryside on mine, we both felt refreshed and re-energised.

I was reminded of that feeling reading about research in Italy and Scotland where studies have shown that last year's hard lockdowns affected many people's cognitive abilitites causing them to suffer "brain fog." It's obviously important to exercise and socialise and whilst a routine can be important if you are working or studying, for the rest of us impetuous, novel or exciting experiences are required if we want to keep the old cog wheels in the brain turning.

Lockdown it seems is an extreme version of what can happen in retirement if, especially as we age, we become more isolated, less active and lack spontaneity. We may try to steer away from change and flexible schedules but they are actually good for us. 

"Variety is the spice of life;" it's where all the flavours come from. To our taste or not, we need to try them to find out but even if they don't suit our palate, our mood and brains still benefit.

 

Comments

Marksgran said…
I think change does us good but at the moment I'm still taking baby steps back into life of the normal kind! I'm not sure at what point it will be agreed we can all resume normal living. I'm hoping to make a trip to take a look at the sea next week. I want to see some waves! Sounds like you had a lovely time.
22 August 2021 at 11:12
Caree Risover said…
As adages go, “A change is as good as a rest,” has to be one of the most accurate. I hope you get to make your trip.
22 August 2021 at 12:51
Treaders said…
And bingo, you hit the nail on the head for exactly how I've been feeling lately. Just totally fed up - and yet I realize most of it would go if I started walking again!
22 August 2021 at 16:52
Caree Risover said…
I think it’s more the change of scenery than the walk itself though
22 August 2021 at 20:28
Bethany @ Happily Loco said…
We had a very short lockdown in Texas, but I still noticed that my world became very small, very self-centered, and my mental health took a nosedive. I have decided that if we ever have to go into lockdown again, I am going to approach it much differently. I think any time we are isolated, it is easy for our world and experiences to shrink.
29 August 2021 at 17:59
Caree Risover said…
I confess that some aspects of lockdown have been very calming when they have forced me to slow down and appreciate the smaller things in life, but the lack of stimulation through a change of scenery has been the most frustrating. I also understand the impact this has on mental health, especially for those who live alone or for other reasons have really suffered from social isolation.
30 August 2021 at 07:52
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