The Sun, Health and Wellbeing!

It's bloody gorgeous today, 25 degrees in the sun room and we are still in January. Last night I was listening to the news from back in the UK; temperatures dipping to -8 degrees, ice, snow and gridlock on the roads. When people say to me, do you miss home? I just have to look out of the window or sit on my bedroom terrace, as I was this morning and reply in the only way I can; no, an emphatic NO; how could I when I am living here.

Of course the weather is the biggest factor, when deciding to move abroad in the first place. The climate is great for my wellbeing, as well as mine and Darrell's arthritis. It is also part of an important environmental change, combating depression and other related issues, including anxiety and stress. An important measure of just how much my health and happiness has changed, is my blood pressure. Today I walked up to our neighbours house; Andy was lending me a blood pressure monitor. After having a conversation  with him and his lovely wife Emma last night, in the pub, I was a little concerned about how high my blood pressure probably was. Initially my bp was 140 over 108, high, but not dramatically; after a few minutes we checked it again it was 130 over 95. I remember ten fifteen years ago, when I lived in the UK, my blood pressure was much higher than both of these readings.

Of course, living in Spain, my lifestyle has changed. I eat far healthier, drink a lot less and avoid burning the candle at both ends. My problem is lack of exercise, something I need to change in future. The main benefit for me, living in Gran Alacant is the weather; I no longer feel a prisoner in my own home. Finally I live in a place, where it is very difficult to feel depressed, at least on the surface. A change in environment is just what the doctor ordered!

Happy Sunday Y'all

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