Mental Health Benefits of Blue Mind Therapy and Walking Therapy
- Tony Waddington
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
In our fast-paced, screen-saturated lives, many of us find ourselves craving a deeper connection with nature not just as a break, but as a form of healing. Two practices rising in recognition for their restorative impact are Blue Mind Therapy and Walking Therapy. At Stone in My Boot, we combine elements of these approaches in our walking and psychotherapy retreats based in Lake District UK, creating spaces where individuals can step outside traditional counselling rooms and into landscapes that restore mind and body.
What Is Blue Mind Therapy?
“Blue Mind” is a term coined by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, referring to the calm, meditative state our brains enter when we are near, on or in water. Whether it is sitting by a lake, walking along a river or listening to the sea, water has measurable effects on lowering stress and anxiety.
For children, an occupational therapist (child specialist) may integrate water-based or nature-based activities into therapeutic practice, helping them regulate emotions, develop focus and build resilience. For adults, water can offer a grounding space to process emotions and quiet the inner noise that modern life amplifies.
Walking for Mental Health
The mental health benefits of walking are widely recognised but when combined with therapy, the results can be transformative. Walking side by side with a therapist shifts the dynamic, creating a sense of ease and openness that can be harder to achieve in a traditional setting.
Some of the walking benefits for mental health include:
Lowering cortisol levels and reducing anxiety
Improving mood and releasing endorphins
Supporting creativity and problem-solving
Increasing mindfulness through rhythm and breath
Building a sense of connection with the environment
This is why at our walking therapy and counselling retreats, walking becomes more than just movement, it becomes part of the therapeutic process. To amplify the benefits of our walking therapy retreats, we have included the component of blue mind therapy by basing our retreat location in a place surrounded by lakes and streams.
How Walking Helps Mental Health in Counselling
Traditional talking therapy can feel intimidating for some people. Walking therapy reduces this pressure by:
Encouraging natural conversation flow
Allowing silence without discomfort
Engaging the senses with the outdoors
Helping individuals literally “move through” emotions
For those experiencing low mood, anxiety, grief or seeking counselling for depression, the integration of walking and counselling can be especially powerful. Moving through nature provides symbolic momentum, every step representing progress.
Retreats: A Deeper Level of Healing
At Stone in My Boot, our walking therapy retreats combine the serenity of nature with professional guidance. These retreats include:
Walking sessions and serene hikes along Lake District trails with on trail one-to-one counselling
Reflective pauses near rivers and lakes, engaging the principles of blue mind therapy
Space for rest, journaling and guided practices
Professional support both on and off trail from our BACP-registered therapists
Unlike quick fixes, retreats give participants time to fully immerse, reset and carry strategies back into everyday life. To learn more about how our nature-based retreat is set up, check out our videos section online.
Conclusion: A Path Towards Calm and Clarity
The mental health benefits of walking and the calming effects of water show us that healing doesn’t always need to take place within four walls. Whether you are trying to heal through blue mind therapy, guided walk for mental health or a counselling retreat, nature will provide a unique pathway to your mental health and wellbeing.
At Stone in My Boot, we believe in restoring balance through movement, reflection and connection to the landscapes around us. For children supported by an occupational therapist or adults seeking counselling for mental health, these approaches open doors to healing that feels both natural and deeply human.
Step outside, walk slowly and breathe deeply. Your journey to wellbeing may begin with the simplest of steps.
Comments