How a Walk in the Woods can Be Healing
There’s something incredibly grounding about spending time in nature. Even if you don’t identify as an “outdoors-y” person, it’s hard to deny the peaceful feeling of taking a stroll through a forest or park.
Aside from the pleasant experience of being outside, research shows that there are several different benefits to walking through the woods. Hopefully, these insights will encourage you to start (or continue) prioritizing a nature walk.
1. Improve your mood
While you may have experienced this firsthand, research supports the idea that taking a walk in the forest can actually improve your mood, as well as other symptoms of depression such as fatigue. In fact, studies show that walking through the woods has a more significant impact than walking along a roadside.
2. Decrease anxiety
In addition to alleviating symptoms of depression, spending time in nature can also soothe anxiety symptoms. Several different studies demonstrate that people report lower levels of anxiety after taking a nature walk. It’s unclear exactly why a walk through the woods can help reduce anxiety, but research shows there can be a significant impact.
3. Enjoy the quiet
Many people enjoy spending time in nature for the quiet solitude that it offers. In our modern life, it often feels like there are few opportunities for calm and reflection. We are inundated with screens and other distractions that make it difficult to be present. Granting yourself the chance to simply be with yourself, your thoughts, and your feelings can be a precious gift.
4. Soothe your body’s fight or flight response
Again, experts aren’t exactly sure why spending time outdoors improves mental health, despite overwhelming evidence that it does. However, one theory is that being in a natural environment triggers a nervous system response that helps to combat our stress response.
Stress hormones, such as cortisol, produce physical responses like a pounding heart and shortness of breath. Being in nature may be able to ease these fight or flight symptoms.
5. Take time for yourself
Self care comes in many forms. There is no right or wrong way to take care of yourself, and your needs may change from day to day or even moment to moment. Carving out time to take a walk in the woods can be a powerful way to attend to your mental and physical health.
6. Gain mental clarity
Research suggests that walking in the forest can have cognitive benefits as well. Many people experience improvements in working memory, attention, and other areas of cognitive functioning after being exposed to nature.
Walk & talk therapy combines mental health treatment with the benefits of nature
As a holistic therapist, I appreciate the healing power that nature can have. I offer walk & talk therapy sessions that allow us to harness this resource while also providing you with the support you need. If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to reach out and schedule your free consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.