Stress Relief

Since I can't switch off MG or diabetes, I am working on finding things that help me cope. The biggest stress reliever I've found is walking in our local forest preserves. Right here in the middle of suburbia there are dozens of forest preserves to visit. My husband and I go for walks almost every day. We always bring our weimaraner April with us.

 Sometimes we hike for three hours. Sometimes we only walk for 20 minutes around a small lake. But, we go out in the fresh air almost daily, even in the winter. It's become a treasured part of our day. The walks lower my stress level, and lower my blood sugar. It's the kind of slow exercise that doesn't make MG worse. Plus there are always benches where I can sit down if I have to. Spending time in the forest preserve gives me a chance to just stop worrying about the future and be present in the now.

Another benefit of walking slowly is it gives Steve time to take pictures.

 Photography is one of Steve's greatest stress relievers. Watching him take pictures and seeing how much joy and satisfaction he gets out if it makes me happy. Feeling loved and happy while we walk together is a gift I treasure every day.

Early Sunday morning Steve took this picture of a cedar waxwing. I thought it was so beautiful I wanted to share it with you.