We have all experienced times in our lives when we were stressed out of our minds. Have you ever decided to go for a walk outside and returned pretty calm? It’s not just because you put distance between the thing causing you stress but also because nature and mental health are linked.
Walking in nature benefits your mind just like it improves your physical health. People who spend 20-30 minutes in nature have lower levels of stress hormones in their bloodstream compared to others who don’t.
Want to know more about how nature improves your mental health? Then, let’s dive straight into it!
Nature and Mental Health
Apart from being calming and appealing to your aesthetic sense, walking in nature therapy is actually effective for mental health. It has an opposing effect on your sympathetic nervous system, which is in overdrive when you are under stress.
It activates the parasympathetic nervous system that puts your body on rest mode, giving you a much needed break. Your heart rate drops along with cortisol levels in your bloodstream.
Plus, the increased oxygen intake, thanks to the greenery around you, also sends more O² to your brain, improving focus and activity.
You might have noticed that you’re also more mindful when you are surrounded by nature. You take in the small details and hear the softest sounds, like the chirping of birds, which is a stress reliever for your brain.
This is a form of cognitive therapy where you ground yourself in the present moment, which improves your focus. This is a technique therapists effectively call “grounding” and helps with clients who complain about zoning out.
Mental Health Benefits Of Walking Outside
By partaking in walking therapy in nature, you can prioritize both mental health and physical activity during counseling sessions, allowing you to reap the benefits of both.
Besides the greenery, sunlight is a natural antidepressant. It triggers the release of happy chemicals like endorphins and serotonin while regulating your circadian rhythm and sleep cycle, which can do wonders for your mental health.
Let’s dive deeper into how nature therapy for anxiety works.
Walking Therapy In Nature
Nature and mental health go hand in hand. Most therapists recognize the positive effects of greenery on the brain. Walking therapy in nature is increasingly being employed, where engaging in physical movement while counseling actually multiplies the good effects of therapy on your mind. This is especially true in natural surroundings.
It works much like traditional therapy but with an innovative twist. You discuss with your therapist the option of meeting outside, then choose a convenient location. It could be at any place you want. You could choose a park close to you, a walking trail you always wanted to go with your friend, or even the beach–whatever works for you.
The counselor might ask you to engage in mindful activities, such as feeling the sand between your toes or the trunk of a tree beneath your fingertips while walking at a leisurely pace.
This will help reduce your stress and activate both parts of your brain (cerebrum and cerebellum), increasing the cognitive functions of your brain.
Why Walking In Nature Is Good For You
People who struggle with anxiety find it hard to sit still for long periods of time. Walking therapy in nature forms an effective solution for such individuals. It helps you cut down stress and can make the counseling session less intimidating. Things are allowed to happen at your pace, where instead of following a rigid structure of questions and answers, your conversations are more spontaneous.
This is also great for people who struggle with social anxiety or people who are trying out therapy for the first time. Unlike traditional therapy, which takes place in a closed office, outdoor sessions feel more relaxed. Without the pressure of constant eye contact, conversations can feel less intimidating and more natural.
Who Should Try Nature Therapy For Anxiety
Walking in nature benefits are quite substantial, but it may not be the best solution for everyone. First of all, you need to consider your physical health and whether or not it is suitable for this method. Of course it’s not a full blown workout, but can still be wearisome for some conditions.
Plus, not all mental health conditions can be treated outdoors, as some are more severe than others. If you are struggling with something serious, you might need sessions at the office first. A more in-depth approach with the therapst may be helpful before taking the counseling outdoors.
You have to keep in mind that not all therapists provide outdoor sessions. If you are currently in therapy and your counselor provides outdoor sessions, there is still a chance that they might not agree to the walk and talk therapy approach. This would mainly be because they don’t think you are ready, or there is still some work you need to do before you try that level. However, most therapists are willing to compromise and reach a middle ground.
Conclusion
The effect of nature on mental health usually goes unnoticed or passes by in insignificant detail, but it is something we all observe and feel. Perhaps it is time we started paying attention to our feelings more intently, as our mind and body might be trying to tell us something.
Taking a walk outside is something we all need to incorporate into our daily routines, for the sake of both our mental and physical well-being. It helps bring down stress levels while increasing your energy, and it also helps you feel better.
Walking therapy in nature engages your senses, incorporates physical movement, and allows you to pay attention to your emotions. You are also working on your cognitive skills and emotional health by activating both sides of your brain. Sounds like a win-win situation, right?
Therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, and Utah
At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand how difficult it can be to manage anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship issues. We can help through walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida, or online therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, or Utah. Remember, your mental health is important—take the time to care for yourself.
Contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a healthier, happier life.
