Mental Health Mindful Walks

It is well known that being in touch with nature has a positive impact on mental health, lowers the production of stress hormones, enhances sleep, lessens depression, and increases motivation and emotional wellness.

According to The Mental Health Foundation, 70 % of UK adults agree that being near nature lifts their mood.

We therefore want to share some of our favorite mindful walks and locations, whether they involve taking in the beauty of the cliffs, getting lost in some forest bathing, or taking a day trip to one of us country parks.

Comforting Sea Views

There are many benefits to spending time near blue spaces, such as rivers, lakes, and the sea. Even better than green spaces, water has a restorative effect, lowering stress and bad moods. Let these coastal walks lift your spirits whether you’re watching the tide ebb and flow, feeling the cool breeze on your face, or even going for a wild swim.

Bathing in Peaceful Forest

Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” is a Japanese tradition that involves controlling your breathing and remaining calm and serene among the trees. You can read more about it on our blog, Forest Bathing.

People can concentrate on the here and now, manage stress, and lessen anxiety and depression by practicing this type of mindfulness in conjunction with the sights and sounds of nature. Here are a few of our favorite wooded areas where we can find some peace and quiet.

Nature’s healing power

People’s wellbeing benefits most from “high quality” natural spaces, which are those that are rich in plants and wildlife, litter-free, and peaceful and quiet. Many of Kent’s beautiful country parks have received the Green Flag for excellence in 2023. Here are a few of our favorite strolls through those rural parks:

Building in time to walk during the day, even for just 10 minutes, can improve your mood and general wellbeing even though you might feel less motivated to go outside as the days get shorter.

Please take a look at these mental health resources from Kent County Council if you’re having problems with your mental well-being.