Small Steps

Two years ago we acquired a puppy and duly attended dog training classes. With four children at home the outcomes were limited; although our then six year old became much more obedient and her recall is now excellent. The dog behaves well on home turf but is awful when we visit somewhere with new smells. At our local dog show last year, I unexpectedly arrived at the feet of a man and his Labrador, when my eager hound pulled me to them across the grass on my stomach.

Social embarrassment from toddlers throwing tantrums in post office queues is over but I'm revisiting it with the dog.

Over the past year I've plugged in an early morning dog walk no matter what the weather. Even being out in the winter darkness felt comforting. As the year has moved along I've watched starry white wood anemones emerge from the woodland floor and give way to bluebells. Then buttercups flooded the meadows. Occasionally an owl has beaten heavy wings above me. 

My dog has shifted from being the destroyer of my favourite shoes to a dear companion. 

These walks invariably lead to reflection. About half way though my mood lifts, the day takes shape and challenges seem less daunting.

Scientists at the University of British Columbia researched the effects of walking on brain function. Specifically the hippocampus which sits deep to and just below each ear. These sea horse shaped bits of grey matter enlarge as a result of walking briskly for two hours twice a week.  They regulate behaviour so flexibility, motivation and  emotional well being improve. With their rôle in short term memory I may have a shot at remembering why I went upstairs. 

Spatial navigation is enhanced. University College London neuroscientists have shown that London cabbies with "the knowledge", acres of London streets committed to memory, had bigger hippocampi.

When I walk my body relaxes and I feel my pelvis being rocked like a baby. The rhythmic leg strides funnel up to gently rotate my back. This helps the flow of blood through a reservoir of veins deep within the spine. I like to think of it doing the same for my discs as does the early morning street washing for Paris. 

More blood gushing through the arteries means more nitric acid which accelerates the repair and maintains the elasticity of blood vessels. Within the blood neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids increase in number. These blunt our response to stress and make us more tolerant to pain.  

I approached all this walking with little expectation of benefit. Something about donning woolly socks rather than Lycra made it not seem sporty enough. But it has brought fitness and stability into my life. So simply.

References

Godman, H. (2014). Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills. Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Health Publishing, April 2014.

Lawton, G. (2019). The age of living younger. New Scientist, April 2019, p.26-33.

Maguire, E.A. (2006). London taxi drivers and bus drivers: a structural MRI and neuropsychological analysis. Hippocampus, Vol 16, p. 1091-1101.

Pontzer,H. (2019). How many steps a day do you really need? Spoiler: It isn’t 10,000. New Scientist, June 2019, p.35-37.