It sometimes feels like all I think and talk about is the weather. Well, perhaps I do. But this past week, I have been under the weather rather than looking at how the forecast was looking.
Feeling under the weather
It seems like an age since I was last poorly. It’s probably not all that long ago really, but it certainly feels like it. Especially when you’re sitting there sniffling and feeling all dizzy, with that weird crawly skin that comes with being unwell. That being said, I didn’t do much sitting around at all. Although, I did sleep in a bit on the odd morning as I was incredibly tired.
There are some things that I will forego when I am under the weather, but outdoors time is not one of them. I am a firm believer that to get over something yucky, you must wrap up warm, get fresh air and get that blood pumping. Sitting around and wallowing is not going to get those germs shifting. And so far, it has proved right, in my experience anyway.
This past weekend, I was awoken with the feeling of my room spinning. My eyes frantically trying to gain traction on something in the room, but failing no matter how fast they seemed to move. I turned my head only for the experience to repeat. Desperate to make it stop I grabbed hold of my pillow, as though my life depended on it, and quite quickly returned to a deep sleep.
On waking again, I was greeted by the same horrific feeling of spinning. Moving around wasn’t much better either. Have you ever tried to put down cat food bowls on the floor when spinning, it is a challenge at best. I’m pleased to say that I managed though, and without face planting the floor (or one of the cats!) either.
Tea: the cure for almost everything!
You know what they say about tea being the cure for almost everything, I can contest to that. After drinking copious amounts of the stuff and eating a veggie sausage butty, I regained my balance and the dizziness drifted away. I certainly wasn’t one hundred percent, but it was definitely an improvement. As such, we headed to the canal to walk to the Trafford Centre. A walk that we take regularly and is a fantastic way to get fresh air on an un-strenuous terrain.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll have noticed that my stories have been pretty quiet too. I had decided that I would just ‘be’ rather than sharing my experience. It was good for me. Besides, who wants to see a sniffly one going for a walk?
The tail end of winter seems to be starting to being life back to the bare canal sides. Lots of green grass breaking the dark dead wood and the bright green fungus adding that extra pop of colour to the dark damp trunks. I realised that the fungi is definitely seasonal and some are certainly not to the taste of the wild Canadian geese that polish off the summer ones.
We arrived at the Trafford Centre with me feeling a lot better than I had in the morning. I warmed up and the fresh air had me feeling much more spritely than I had been that morning. Just under nine miles of canal walking and I was reaping the benefits. We did opt for the bus back though and were treated to a rather strange-looking sky.
Sleep and repeat
Unfortunately, Sunday began in much the same way. Only it lasted that little bit less time than my episode on Saturday. A blessing in disguise as it meant that I was up earlier, managed to get some chores done and head out at a better time. That being said, I did get dizzy while eating my breakfast. Looking down to my eggy bread actually made me spin! Bizarre and quite scary all mixed into one.
Thankfully the fresh air and promise of another canal walk had me improving by the mile. It wasn’t until the evening that I felt up to taking some snaps. I couldn’t really have resisted if I had tried, when the sky began turning a glorious shade of orange.
One thing that I have realised over the past year of walking along the Manchester canals is how it really is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. Among the red brick mills, you get to look down the stretch of water towards the setting sun. And the sun rise when you do the reverse walk. If there is something that will help you get on top of things when you’re under the weather, it is the amber hues of a setting sun over the city. Along with the fresh air and walking, of course. Oh yeah, and tea. Definitely tea.
Onward and upward
Our walk home from town is upward towards Oldham, so as you gradually increase in height, you get a different view of the sunset. It kind of elongates how long you see it in a way, which I think it a fun way to look at it. I think that the sunset proved to be a handy addition to the walk, as it meant that I took regular breaks rather than trooping my way back in full power walker style (which is my usual method).
I really enjoyed taking a leisurely walk along the canal. The light made for an interesting look and feel which made it feel quite new again, despite walking so regularly along it. Before we had to turn the final corner, which takes us away from the long view to the setting sun, I stopped for one last look at that incredible sky. Obviously taking a photo or two to remember it by.
The sky looked tie dyed above the mills along the canal. Dappled colours in the clouds and blending to the deep orange of the sun. What a stunning way to end the day.
Walking when you’re under the weather
The weekend saw me walking around 17 miles, which is actually fairly steady for me. Along canals and with some wonderfully coloured and moody skies. It really did do me the world of good and each mile helped me to feel fresher and lighter.
Not only that, I awoke this morning free from that dizziness and light-headed feeling. I was actually feeling rather bright, which I didn’t expect. My walk this morning was filled with torrential rain (think wet knickers and all!) but it was a welcome blast of freshness to my newly recovered self. I loved every minute of it, despite getting absolutely drenched.
So if you’re under the weather now, or the next time that you are, consider wrapping up and getting in some walking in the fresh air. It doesn’t have to be far, or fast, but the freshness and movement will really help you get on that road to recovery.
I’m thankful that I took the time out. I feel miles better from my weekend miles.
Do you enjoy getting fresh air when you’re under the weather? What are your favourite ways to get back to yourself?
Let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you 🙂