In our modern world, stepping into nature isn’t just a physical journey—it’s a transformation for both the mind and body. There’s a growing body of research and personal accounts demonstrating how time spent outdoors can foster relaxation, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
One of the many places I’ve explored on foot is the wild expanse near a distant pen pal’s home, where I imagined walking towards a peaceful lake—untouched by time, brimming with natural beauty. Despite the challenges along the way, from aching blisters to uncertain paths, there was something uniquely healing in simply walking through this landscape, where each step allowed me to become immersed in the present.
This connection to nature is not just a matter of personal reflection. Dr. Surjo Soekadar, a physician at Berlin’s Charité Medical Faculty, explains that being outdoors offers profound psychological benefits, often leading to a calming effect. “In nature, there is peace. You’re not distracted by the constant need to problem-solve,” Soekadar observes, emphasizing that natural environments provide a space where both the body and mind can truly relax.
Recent studies corroborate this sense of tranquility. Exposure to natural settings has been shown to lower cortisol levels and reduce blood pressure, with many attributing these effects to physical activity like hiking or cycling. However, the psychological benefits are also notable, as they often provide individuals with a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy, reinforcing a positive mindset.
Dr. Simone Kühn, a psychologist at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, has dedicated much of her research to exploring how nature influences the brain. Her team recently conducted an experiment where participants took walks in either a city or a forest. The results were striking: those who walked in nature showed reduced activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for stress, compared to those who walked through an urban environment. “Nature clearly has a healing effect,” Kühn states, “as it allows the brain to reset.”
But what is it about nature that creates such a powerful effect? Some researchers, like evolutionary biologist Edward O. Wilson, believe our connection to natural landscapes stems from our evolutionary history. Our ancestors thrived in environments that combined openness, visibility, and proximity to water—traits that are still embedded in our modern response to nature. Yet, Kühn remains cautious about making definitive claims, pointing out that while such environments may feel familiar and comforting, the underlying reasons remain a subject of debate.
Perhaps this comfort is rooted in an experience that goes beyond mere observation. Christine Thürmer, one of the world’s most seasoned long-distance hikers, has walked more than 65,000 kilometers and spent thousands of nights in tents. Her journey is not just a physical challenge, but a mental one. “Walking teaches you to embrace discomfort,” she explains, noting that it is often the struggle—the endurance against the elements—that provides deeper insight into one’s self.
Thürmer’s perspective aligns with that of adventurer Erling Kagge, who reached the North and South Poles and Mount Everest on foot. Kagge, who believes that discomfort and suffering are necessary for truly experiencing life, highlights the connection between physical exertion and emotional resilience. “When you face hardships, it makes the joyful moments feel that much more meaningful,” he asserts.
Nature, then, is not just a place to retreat from the stresses of modern life; it is an active partner in shaping our physical and mental health. Whether it’s the quiet solitude of a forest, the challenge of a long hike, or simply the sight of birds chirping in a park, these moments provide both an emotional and intellectual reset. Kagge’s simple advice for anyone venturing into the wild? “Keep it light—both your pack and your worries.”
For those of us who live in cities, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to carve out the time to connect with nature. But the rewards are tangible. According to Kühn, the experience of nature is integral to our well-being. And with that, walking—whether through a dense forest or along a quiet trail—is not merely an act of movement but a vital practice for mental clarity and self-awareness.
As I continue my journey toward that far-off lake, I am reminded of the transformative power of nature. It’s not just about the destination—it’s about the walk itself, and the peaceful moments we create when we step outside and into the present.
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