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

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VIVID season

Long time readers will be wondering where my photos are - as usually every post at this time is splashed with a rainbow of shimmering lights.

I saw the tech testing night - a little preview and then rain. Non stop rain! (or just busy elsewhere).

Finally got into the city, and after the shows or the choir session (thank you Opera House!), I wandered around VIVID. Alas my camera wasn't charged properly the first night so ran out. The second night was worse! The battery was fully charged but I didn't put it in the camera I was lugging around with me all night! (In my defence, I left in a hurry for the train as Choir is an early 5.30 start).

So here are some pics from the phone - not nearly the quality I would like.

I will be out again Wednesday night so I'm hoping that bags me some good ones!

Do you love VIVID?

For those overseas, Sydney has a Winter Festival that lights up the city quite literally, along with music and talks and food events. It's a fabulous time to come. An American friend we took round said in surprise "And all this is free?' Oh, yes!

And special shout out to the Drone show viewing at Home for refunding our tickets. Very disapointed to miss the drones but appreciate the refund as I wouldn't have gone in for the replacement fireworks.

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And just like that, lights out....

I managed to check out Customs House VIVID projections on the way to meet friends at the Opera House for a show. 

Tonight I'm at the ICC so I'll walk via The Goods Line for some of that Aburi I couldn't eat last week

And then just like that, it's lights out for another year.

I know this year has been quieter, but I've really enjoyed getting out and about when the city is abuzz and everyone is smiling.

Did you enjoy VIVID?

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