The Benefits of Fresh Air and Being Present.
Fresh air and a daily walk can have a powerful impact on our mental wellbeing. In this blog, I reflect on how walking that began as a routine from owning dogs became an important way to clear my mind and to slow down busy thoughts. I also share how being outdoors can boost mood through natural “feel-good” chemicals, and have included some techniques you can try while walking to help calm your mind and reconnect with the moment.
COUNSELLINGOUTDOORSMINDFULNESS
Katy Feliciello
3/8/20261 min read
The benefits of fresh air and being present
Do you prioritise walking each day? Are you someone who looks at the weather and thinks no thank you!
As an owner of dogs for the last 20 years I have always had to walk twice a day. However, it wasn’t until I started training as a counsellor I realised the benefits of the great outdoors for my health. Not only am I walking and exercising; often being dragged along by my two gorgeous retrievers, but I am clearing my mind.
If you are anything like me, a busy work and family life can often fill your thoughts. Many a time I am thinking I am relaxing at home with a cup of tea but really my mind is active- worrying, solving, ruminating, organising and much more. And this is where a walk each day forms an important part of therapy.
When we walk, we naturally produce more of those ‘feel good chemicals’ to help our mental health.
Serotonin: Increased oxygen intake and exposure to natural sunlight boost serotonin levels, which stabilizes mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness.
Endorphins: As a form of physical exercise, walking triggers the release of endorphins—natural pain relievers—from the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, reducing stress and inducing euphoria.
Dopamine: Walking in nature boosts dopamine, the "reward" chemical that improves motivation and mood.
But not only can our bodies do these amazing things we can be active in the process too. Anyone that follows Rushcliffe_counselling on Instagram will see my many posts while out walking. In these I record techniques to increase presence, calm your nervous system and embrace the moment.
