Natures Footsteps: The Advantages of Walking in Nature
Linda Rowley (MAPP)
Wellbeing Speaker, Facilitator and Coach. Key topics include: Mental Health First Aid, workplace wellbeing, nature based interventions and ambiguous loss.
Hello, LinkedIn community! This week I'm taking time to indulge in one of my favourite activities – Green Walking! Not just another business strategy or leadership skill, the practice of green walking can profoundly impact our wellbeing, creativity, and productivity.
?What is Green Walking?
Green walking means walking (anything from a gentle stroll to a brisk hike) in natural environments – be it a lush forest, a serene park, along a tranquil river, or the sweeping shores of the sea. It's about immersing ourselves in nature while we walk, emphasizing the combination of physical exercise with the sensory experience of nature.
Green walking can be adapted to different fitness levels and age groups and is accessible in urban (city parks and gardens, greenways) and rural (farmland, forests, nature reserves) settings.
It can be done individually for solitude, reflection, and mental restoration or in groups for social interaction and team/community building, and it encourages a deeper connection with the natural environment.
And the science says it's incredibly beneficial for us.
?The Scientific Backing
1.??? - Physical Health: Walking in nature can improve cardiovascular health, enhance physical fitness, and may aid in weight management. Regular walking improves blood flow to the brain, offsetting the effects of sitting around for extended periods (Carter et al, 2018). To maximise the health benefits from walking, a consistent walking speed of 5km to 5.5 km per hour, sustained for at least 30 minutes, 4 or 5 times per week is suggested (O’Mara, 2019).
2. Stress Reduction: A study published in 'Frontiers in Psychology' found that participants who walked in a forest had significantly lower heart rates and higher heart rate variability (Prinz, M.C., 2019)(indicating more relaxation and less stress) compared to those walking in urban environments.
2. Enhanced Creativity: Research in the 'Journal of Environmental Psychology' showed that individuals who walked in natural settings performed better on creative problem-solving tasks than those who walked in urban environments or didn't walk at all.
3. Improved Mental Health: A 2019 study in 'Scientific Reports linked spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature with good health and psychological wellbeing.
4. Boosted Immune Function: Japanese research on 'forest bathing' (Shinrin-yoku) indicates that walking in forests can boost the number of white blood cells that helps fight infection.
?Why It Matters in Our Busy Lives
?In our hurried, high-stress professional lives, it's easy to underestimate the value of stepping back and connecting with nature. Green walking offers a simple yet effective way to detach, decompress, and return to work (and life) with renewed energy and perspective.
?Incorporating Green Walking into Your Routine
- Plan a nature walk during your weekends.
- If you’re in an urban area, find the nearest park for a quick stroll.
- Use walking meetings to combine business discussions with the benefits of green walking.
领英推荐
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My favourite places
Living in Gippsland, we are spoilt for choice in walking tracks and rail trails. The transformation of these former railway lines into walking trails provides a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and health benefits.
The flat and well-maintained paths make it easy for everyone to enjoy, as they meander through some of Victoria's most stunning landscapes, from rolling hills and lush forests to tranquil lakes and rugged coastlines. You get to meet other friendly rail trail users and can chance across a diverse range of wildlife, including native birds, kangaroos, and maybe even the occasional echidna.
Whether I am walking solo taking time to reflect, or guiding a group, these encounters add an element of surprise and delight, making each walk a unique experience.
This week, I have been walking The Barossa Trail and the River Torrens Linear Trail, both beautiful trails, with friendly locals to greet you along your way.
Final Thoughts
As professionals, we often seek complex solutions to enhance our productivity and wellbeing. Yet, sometimes, the simplest practices, like walking in nature, can offer the most profound benefits. Green walking is more than just a physical activity; it's a holistic approach to wellbeing that combines the benefits of physical exercise, mental relaxation, and a deepened connection with the natural world.
So, lace up your walking shoes, fill up a water bottle, and embark on a journey that nourishes your body, mind, and soul!
Happy walking, everyone!
References:
- "Frontiers in Psychology," Stress Recovery during Exposure to Nature Sound and Environmental Noise (2010).
- "Journal of Environmental Psychology," Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning through Immersion in Natural Settings (2012).
- "Scientific Reports," Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing (2019).
- The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine (2010).
Printz, M. C. (2019). Designing a Sustainable, Long-Term Revenue Model for Turn Back Time. https://core.ac.uk/download/213002810.pdf
Live life amidst nature - DailyExcelsior. https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/live-life-amidst-nature/
Wasista, I. P. U., & Kerdiati, N. L. K. R. (2023). Lubheng Cemplong Sebagai Inspirasi Perancangan Green Wall pada Ruang Interior. https://doi.org/10.24821/lintas.v11i1.9418