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The Power of Fresh Air: Nature Walks for Mind, Body and Soul

Writer's picture: John BurnettJohn Burnett

In an age and time where we spend more and more time indoors with flashing screens and vibrating phones, the importance of fresh air for our physical and mental health is becoming increasingly apparent. With Spring on the horizon with the promise of more sunlight, we thought of sharing some insights on the transformative benefits of spending time outdoors. In this blog we discuss how connecting with the outdoors can uplift your mind, energise your body and nourish your soul.


Whether you are looking for a Spring activity, mental clarity or seeking solace, a walk in nature with fresh air and sunlight can do wonders to your nervous system. Here’s a few reasons how outdoor walking can enhance your overall wellbeing.



1. Calming the Mind

A walk in nature is a proven antidote for stress, anxiety and depression. The calming influence of green spaces, fresh air and the rhythmic motion of walking work wonders for mental clarity and emotional stability.

  • Reduces Stress: Fresh air and natural scenery lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, promoting relaxation. You will generally find the freshest air in places with high air circulation. For example, an open field, high altitude places, mountains, around lakes and other freshwater sources. Which is one of the reasons why we run our Walking Therapy Retreats in the scenic Lake District. Surrounded by beautiful green landscapes, lakes and mountains where fresh air is bountiful.  

  • Enhances Mental Clarity: Walking in nature encourages creative thinking and problem-solving by giving your brain a break from constant stimuli. As you walk, you can also focus on the sights, sounds and smells around you, anchoring yourself in the present moment, away from daily stress, mental chatter and unending to-do-lists. 

  • Combats Anxiety and Depression: Exposure to natural light, combined with moderate exercise in the form of walking, hiking or jogging can boost serotonin and dopamine levels, the brain’s feel-good chemicals. Sunlight can often help ease depression, a form of light therapy that is freely available. It is believed that sunlight has a protective effect as it can help your body produce vitamin D (a neurosteroid synthesised within the brain and modulate neuronal excitability). Another reason why we focus so much on offering outdoor walk and talk therapy to our clients who battle with anxiety and depression. 





2. Restoring the Body

Fresh air is a natural energiser. It is packed with higher oxygen levels, especially in green spaces like fields, forests and trails, which help boost your body’s performance. 

  • Improved Cardiovascular Health: Walking is a low-impact exercise that strengthens your heart, reduces blood pressure and improves circulation. Walking in nature also feels easier and less strenuous compared to an enclosed space like a gym. We have combined the benefits of this with a therapy session (moving away from a glass door therapist’s office) to bring you the benefits of both aspects. Our Walk and Talk Outdoor Therapy retreats combine the physical benefits of walking in nature with mental clarity of talking therapy. 

  • Gentle Fitness: A brisk walk in nature can help maintain a healthy weight, improve flexibility and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes. 

  • Support for Immune Function: Studies show that spending time in natural environments can increase white blood cell production, strengthening your immune system. While breathing in clean, oxygen-rich air can also enhance your lung function and give your body a much-needed energy boost.





3. Uplifting the Soul

Beyond physical and mental benefits, nature walks offer a chance to connect with something greater than yourself. Nature therapy is a way to nourish your soul.

  • Spiritual Connection: Many people find walking in nature a meditative experience, a chance to reflect and feel a deeper connection to the earth, mother nature and life itself. Another factor we took into consideration when designing our Walking Therapy Program, so our clients can benefit from not just physical exercise and mental wellness, but overall wellbeing of their entire mind, body and soul.

  • Boosting Positivity and Gratitude: Observing the beauty of blooming flowers (specially in Spring time), chirping birds or a sunset by a lake can evoke a sense of awe and gratitude. The serenity of natural landscapes can uplift your mood, inspire hope and foster a sense of inner peace.

  • Community and Bonding: Walking with close community or in a group enhances social connections and strengthens relationships. We also offer group bookings for Walking Therapy Retreats so you can connect not just with nature and yourself, but also with your loved ones, close companions or other like-minded people.

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