When I fractured my ankle a few months ago I was confined to staying at home, recovering from surgery and not able to put any weight on my foot. I craved three things; cheesy crisps, strawberry ice cream and woodland walks. A friend posted cheesy crisps through my letterbox and I found some strawberry milk shake in a cupboard, but I desperately missed my woodland walks…
Let me outline the benefits of being outside, particularly walking in woodland – you’ll see why I worked hard to get my mobility back so that I could get outside and back to walking…
- Daily exposure to sunlight helps to regulate the sleep/wake cycle, which leads to better sleep. Early morning sun exposure is particularly good with helping with sleep
- Regular walking will improve physical health. You can pace yourself and start with small targets, gradually building stamina and duration
- Taking a break on your own will give you a breathing space to gather your thoughts and relax. Most of us have moments when we just want our own company for a while
- Its free! No gym membership or expensive gear required, and no sense of competitiveness with other people. Just sensible walking shoes and a water bottle
- Just fifteen minutes outside will give you a healthy dose of vitamin D. This vitamin supports bones, blood cells and the immune system. It also helps the body to absorb calcium, phosphorous and other minerals
- Being outside can connect you to other people. If you prefer your own company, that’s absolutely fine – save your talking energy for walking! If you want to meet people, there are several walking groups operating locally, with all levels of fitness, and covering interesting but manageable walks.
The magic of woodland walking
There’s something almost magical about connecting with trees and nature. Trees are the largest plants on the planet and they provide us with clean air, converting carbon dioxide to oxygen through photosynthesis. Through their absorption of carbon in urban areas, trees help to clean the air. They also absorb nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulphur dioxide and ozone. A report from the London I-Tree Eco Project (2016) found that London’s trees remove 2241 tonnes of pollution every year.
- Breathing in this clearer air can improve lung function, while the increased oxygen levels can be invigorating, leading to increased energy levels and mental clarity
- Walking in a woodland environment can help your immune system. Trees release airborne phytocides to protect themselves from insects; when we inhale these phytocides they increase our white blood cell activity which is involved with boosting the immune system to fight infections
- Woodland walking can have a calming effect on the cardiovascular system, helping to lower blood pressure and heart rate. This may be due to a reduction in cortisol – the stress hormone which is more prevalent in our more stressful urban environment
- Woodland walking can improve mood and reduce the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression
- The woodland environment can boost cognitive function; being in this relaxed and energising environment can allow the brain to rest, reset and rejuvenate, which leads to greater mental clarity
- To promote emotional balance, try engaging grounding while walking through woodland; listen to the sound of the wind in the branches and the rustle of the leaves…the gentle rippling of a flowing stream…observe the sunlight dappled through the branches…breathe in the scent of the trees…it all helps to calm the mind and promote a sense of peace
As Solution-focused hypnotherapists we look to elevate positive neurotransmitters; the combination of exposure to natural light, physical activity and the calming woodland environment can play a significant part in increasing these neurotransmitters and producing those wonderful feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin.