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WALKING AWAY STRESS
21/05/2025
There have been several scientific studies and general articles in the press recently about the benefits of a walk in greenspace and just enjoying nature, so I thought it might be interesting to summarise what the science is saying[1].
Benefit of walking and accessing nature:
- Improves sleep;
- Reduces stress;
- Improves memory, creativity and attention;
- Encourages positive social interaction;
- Improves cardiac health and blood pressure, and helps protect against many adverse medical conditions;
- Boosts muscle strength;
- In places where pines grow, their scent is beneficial – the volatile organic compounds these trees produce can help respiratory health and refresh you;
- The rhythm of walking boosts theta brain waves which are linked to improvements in memory, cognition and mood;
- Walking enhances the link between body and mind;
- It helps your sense of smell, the loss of which is linked to a host of medical problems.
[1] For further reading, try Good Nature: The New Science of How Nature Improves Our Health by Kathy Willis, Professor of Biodiversity at Oxford Uni.
Different landscapes have different benefits, so try to vary where you go – heathland, forests, botanically rich meadows and the coast seem especially beneficial, but a city walk has plenty of benefits, too, as long as you avoid traffic fumes/polluted air. Or you could relax by immersing yourself in heritage and history by visiting some of the ancient monuments around the UK which are also often surrounded by exceptional natural environments..
Betts Ecology and Betts Estates have many paths and walks associated with our sites. On the land we manage, we maintain them and encourage people to use them. Do get out there!
