The health benefits of VIVID

I know it sounds funny but as well as a boost to the night economy in winter, there are health benefits to VIVID.

I did my usual 11km Sunday morning walk and the dog walks, but then went with a friend to one of the VIVID music events. After 90 mins of not particularly energetic dancing, I decided to check out some of VIVID. It was a chilly but pleasant evening and I wandered around in the crowds listening to snippets of conversations, some making me laugh, others curious. The art was beautiful or fun. There was much to delight in.

By the time I got home, my sense of wellbeing and contentment was overwhelming, and my steps were boosted to almost triple my normal daily amount:

There are many benefits to dancing (discussed here) and also to walking (discussed here).

There is also the escape from the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), or at least you are out with people, sharing smiles with strangers or you've organised to go as a group, so there's the social aspect.

It also creeps into conversations, so you have something to talk about with friends other than work or family matters - sharing ideas and expereinces, not just the usual conversation, a more intellectual engagement.

And for me, there's a contentment. After all these years I am still struck by the beauty of the city, and a contentment about where I live. I'm amazed at how lucky I am to be able to enjoy all this for the cost of a train ticket.

So if you are feeling a little low, get out and about after dark. Be part of the city. Enjoy all it's beauty. There are lots of articles now about the health benefits of engaging with arts - lowering cortisol, boosting seratonin, building neuropathways to delay cognative decline - VIVID provides all this but the added benefit of physical exercise.

'Beauty awakens the soul'. Dante Alighieri

Linking with