Walks for Mindful Health

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

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 70 % of UK adults believe that being near nature makes them happier.

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

Sea views that soothe

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

Bathing in a 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 focus on the present moment, 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.

Natural Healing

The “high quality” natural spaces—those rich in plants and wildlife, kept litter-free, and which feel calm and quiet—have the greatest positive effects on people’s wellbeing. 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.

If you’re having problems with your mental health, there is help available. Please take a look at these Kent County Council resources.