How Walking in Nature Can Help Wellbeing

Nearly two-thirds of interviewees said that a coastal walk allows them a distraction from the stresses of everyday life and over half said a coastal walk makes them feel positive about their lives in general.

Coastal walkers were more likely than inland walkers to get a better and longer sleep following their walk but both groups reported benefits to sleep and mood.

The research also showed that walking by the coast can reconnect us with memories of childhood, family and friends and going on holiday. Being by the sea can also help us reflect and think things through.

Nature as healer

Spending time in nature can actually reduce anxiety and depression, according to the ‘Nature and Mental Health Report’ produced by mental health charity Mind. It also states that being outside in natural light can lift a person's mood, especially during the winter.

Useful tips to help you look after your mental health:

1. Start each day with a new attitude

As hard as it might be, try not to take the feelings of yesterday's events over to today. We can allow ourselves to start the day afresh so we won't weigh our day down with negative thoughts and instead feel more positive about what the new day holds. Try beginning each day with a gentle morning walk to help start the day in a more positive and calm way.

People walking in woodland Dunwich Heath Suffolk | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

2. Get your body moving

Being active can give you a sense of achievement and can boost the chemicals in your brain that help put you in a good mood. Doing regular exercise can improve your fitness, contribute to a better night’s sleep as well as provides the opportunity to meet with other people. Walking is a simple and low-impact starting point that you can build on and challenge yourself with when you feel you can do so.

3. Visit somewhere new and find ways to enjoy to great outdoors

Often when you're feeling down you tend to want to hide from the world. But heading outside into the fresh air can make us feel better. Going somewhere new is sometimes what we need – a change of scenery to stimulate our senses and be the distraction we need to clear our minds.

Take time to stop and soak in the small things you see, hear and smell when you're outdoors. Being in nature can be an enjoyable opportunity to experience something new and exciting.

4. Learn something new

Learning something new can give you something to focus on as well as an opportunity to boost your confidence and self-esteem. The great outdoors is full of new things; whether that be a physical activity or just opening yourself up to asking questions about the world around you, and finding out the answers. All this can help you feel more connected and can distract you from any difficult thoughts and feelings you might be having.

5. Make time to talk to people and ask for help when needed

No matter who you are, we all need help at times. Accepting help can be hard, but it's important to accept it when you need too, as struggling by yourself can make life harder for you and those around you.

Talking to people when you get the chance, will not only improve their day but yours too. Why not ask somebody out on a walk so you can talk, explore and admire nature together. Being kind and positive, having a laugh, sharing a perspective on something or just listening to someone else talk can remind us that we all have something positive to offer each other.