Spending time outdoors is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support our wellbeing. Fresh air, natural light, movement, and open spaces help calm the mind, lift the mood, and reconnect us with ourselves and others. Being in nature can reduce stress, encourage reflection, and make human connection feel easier and more natural.
Here are some topics for each adventure outdoors with tips on how to make the most of them:
- Walk in a group
- Walk, smile, say hello, repeat!
- Walking among trees
- Walk in the cold
- Walking as meditation
- Walk with your eyes
- Walk within the first hour of waking up
- Walk at night
- Walk breathing through your nose
- Walk with your ears
- Walk like a nomad
- Walk in the sun
- Walk with a better gait
- Walk in the rain
- Walk slowly
- Walk with a picnic
- Walk with a spring in your step
- Walk with wonder!
- Walk uphill
- Walk in the mud
- Walk with your nose!
- Walk for 12 minutes
- Walk with ions
- Walk while foraging
- Walking with the Wind
Walking outdoors offers a unique way to care for both body and mind. Moving through open spaces allows the nervous system to settle, supports gentle physical exercise, and creates space for thoughts and emotions to flow more freely. For many people, walking side by side feels less intense than sitting face to face, making conversation more natural and relaxed.
The body–mind connection is vital to our wellbeing. Some people feel less restricted in open spaces, especially in nature. Others find that being outdoors helps them connect more easily with their emotions and feelings. Some enjoy the freedom of movement it gives, while others discover a deeper sense of presence, awareness, or spirituality through walking in natural surroundings.
Spending time outdoors does not require leaving the city behind. Green spaces offer opportunities to slow down, breathe, observe, and reconnect—with nature, with others, and with ourselves. A simple walk can become an act of care, combining movement, attention, and moments of human warmth, often accompanied by lightness, curiosity, and humour.
The blog ‘Finding Nature‘ by Miles Richardson, gives us lots of information about reconnecting with nature and its benefits for us and the natural world. And ‘52 ways to walk‘ by Annabel Streets talks about the many benefits of walking outdoors.
Even small moments outdoors can make a meaningful difference to mental wellbeing. Stepping outside, moving your body, and allowing yourself to be present with your surroundings can help create space, clarity, and calm. Whether alone or with others, choosing to go outdoors is a simple, accessible way to care for your mind—one step, one breath, and one moment at a time.
Let’s all go outdoors!