There have been periods in my life when I found myself in a dark place—times when I wasn’t exercising enough, felt unmotivated in school, I was eating poorly, and I was probably spending too much time bingeing shows or scrolling through social media  for way too long… We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Life can sometimes throw us into a cycle of inactivity and self-doubt. For me, what ultimately pulled me out of that rut was something surprisingly simple….walking! 

As much as I advocate for exercise and overall well being, I wasn’t always like this. It all started when I decided to get off the couch and start by going on walks and getting my body moving in hopes it would make me  feel something or just feel something different …. Turns out, it worked ! 

But I’m not talking about the mundane strolls around the block, waving Hi to your neighbors . No, I’m talking about those long, rejuvenating walks in nature or by a body of  water.  These walls have slowly become my sanctuary—a place where I can escape the distractions of daily life and focus on the present moment.

It took many ( and I mean mannyyy) walks before I reached a point where I felt genuinely content being in the present with no distractions but over time, as I immersed myself in nature again and again, I began to find peace. 

Picture this: I’m walking along a winding path, surrounded by towering trees. During the summer I’m surrounded by the beautiful greenery and in the fall the beautiful autumn coloured trees. Their leaves dance gently in the breeze. People pass you by on bikes and skateboards, some stopping to admire the view. As I  stroll along , I take time  to self reflect on the situations that are causing me stress, or  sometimes I’ll listen to some music to bring up my mood. 

Oftentimes what gives me the most mental clarity is just walking and taking in my surroundings. I’ll notice a bridge that overlooks the water. The sunlight filtering through the leaves, the fresh air that fills my lungs, invigorating me with each breath, makes me feel lighter on my feet. I watch as birds fly over me and the little ducks pattern the ducks make in the water. 

It is in these moments that I find peace and tranquillity. But why does being in nature have such a transformative effect? What is it about these walks that brings clarity and calm? Perhaps it is not for everyone but here are some reasons why  simply being in nature or walking in nature can help our mental and physical health.

The answer is both simple and profound: Walking is a form of exercise, but it goes further than the simple physical benefits. As we walk, our bodies release endorphins; those are the feel-good hormones that lift our spirits and reduce feelings of stress. They act as pain relievers and mood enhancers. When we walk, especially at a brisk pace, our bodies release these endorphins, which help to improve mood, reduce the feeling of  stress, and even create a mild sense of euphoria, often called the runner’s high. A vigorous walk will release more of those happy hormones as you work up a sweat even by walking at a faster than normal pace. These hormones are also released while you exercise, but even a simple walk and trigger a release which is great! 

Regular walks not only improve our physical health but also create a solid foundation for better mental health. Walking encourages mindfulness especially when done in nature. Without any distractions … aka our phones….   the practice of being fully present in the moment can do wonders. Focusing on your surroundings can help your mind disconnect. Admiring the vibrant colours of the leaves, the cool breeze brushing against my skin, the rhythmic sound of my footsteps on the path. This mindfulness quiets my racing thoughts, creating space for clarity and peace. Being in nature can  help break the cycle of overthinking and stress induced thoughts which are common contributors to anxiety and depression.

Let me tell you, over time, I’ve definitely noticed numerous benefits from these walks, but one that stands out above the rest, is the significant reduction in my stress levels.  What I’ve come to learn is that the simple act of walking can lower cortisol levels. This is the hormone associated with stress, leading to a sense of tranquility. By the end of my walk I genuinely feel different.  I feel less  tense and more relaxed.

I often pause along the way to take it all in. Sometimes I sit on a bench and close my eyes, allowing the sounds and smells of nature to wash over me which helps me feel relaxed. This promotes a concept called Biophilia Hypothesis. Sounds complicated right ? Let me help you out, this concept  embodies the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature because we have evolved in it. This is one reason why being in nature helps to  lower those  cortisol levels. We are able to tap into our roots and feel grounded by our connection to nature. In a way you can think of it this way… nature is somewhat hardwired in us to promote relaxation and our wellbeing.

So, I invite you to step outside and discover the peace that nature can offer. Find a local park, a winding trail, or a serene lakeside path. Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment, and notice how the world around you begins to shift.