Let`s Go For a Walk — The Rooted Benefits of Walk Therapy
I have shared my love for walking on Instagram and discussed how it has positively impacted my mental health and contributed to my wellness journey. Walking is a form of self-care that allows us to enjoy the simple things within our reach. It doesn’t require spending money on expensive facial masks, attending workout classes, or going out of our way. Walking can be a transformative experience when approached with mindfulness and intention, offering us the chance to slow down and reconnect.
I consider any mindful movement as “gentle movement.” Being gentle with ourselves means caring for ourselves, being thoughtful with our thoughts and expectations, and meeting ourselves where we are. This mental approach guides my clients as I invite them to engage in walk therapy — a journey of gentle movements that can lead to gentle feelings and gentle thinking.
In Japan, there is a concept called Forest Bathing, which involves making contact with nature and greenery to absorb its surroundings and atmosphere. Forest Bathing is more than just going for a walk; it offers genuine healing benefits. Studies have shown that Forest Bathing can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and cortisol levels, and decrease heart rate, among other benefits.
Even if we don’t have the luxury of being surrounded by greenery, walking mindfully in the city can still be beneficial. We can find parks or low-traffic areas to spend time in. Now, let’s delve a little deeper into the advantages of walk therapy.
1. Your Nervous System Reflects Your Surroundings:
When we wake up, we all start the day with a certain level of cortisol, which is the stress hormone. Throughout the day, our cortisol levels fluctuate, either increasing or decreasing. When engaging in Forest Bathing or mindful walking, clients’ nervous systems start to mirror the slowness and tranquility of their surroundings. They may not notice it immediately, but after a few minutes, they will begin to experience a slower breathing rate, a more balanced heart rate, and a calmness in their thoughts.
2. Conversations on the Move:
Unlike traditional therapy settings, Walk Therapy encourages movement and conversation to intertwine harmoniously. As the therapist and client walk side by side, the casual atmosphere creates a more relaxed and open space for dialogue. The rhythm of walking often eases tension and facilitates a deeper connection, making it easier to explore emotions, share experiences, and delve into meaningful conversations. It’s like having a trusted companion walking alongside, guiding and supporting the healing process.
3. The Mind-Body Connection:
Walk Therapy recognizes and leverages the powerful mind-body connection. Walking, as a form of physical exercise, releases endorphins, boosts serotonin levels, and reduces anxiety and depression. This combination of movement and mood elevation fosters an overall sense of well-being. By aligning the body and mind, Walk Therapy helps individuals tap into their inner strengths and resources, promoting resilience and empowering personal growth.
4. A Change of Perspective:
Walking provides a change of scenery, both literally and metaphorically. As individuals traverse new paths, they gain fresh perspectives on life’s challenges and opportunities. The act of walking stimulates creativity and problem-solving abilities, enabling individuals to think beyond their usual patterns of thought. With each step, they explore different angles, generate insights, and embrace new possibilities, ultimately leading to personal transformation.
Walk Therapy combines the soothing effects of nature, physical activity, and heartfelt conversations to provide a truly special and life-changing therapeutic experience. Through the gentle rhythm of walking, individuals connect with nature, engage in meaningful conversations, and tap into their innate resilience. As they venture along new paths, their perspectives shift, enabling personal growth and introspection. Walk Therapy invites us to step outside, embrace the wisdom of the natural world, and embark on a transformative journey toward wholeness, one healing step at a time.
If you’re interested in beginning your own Walk Therapy journey, I invite you to get in touch with me today to schedule a consultation and arrange for a walk. Let’s embark on this journey together and discover the power of Walk Therapy firsthand.
Sources:
Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., & Daily, G. C. (2012). The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1249(1), 118–136.
Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression. Harvard Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-is-an-all-natural-treatment-to-fight-depression
Ratey, J. J. (2013). Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. Little, Brown Spark.
Walk and Talk Therapy. (2022). American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/walk-and-talk
