Joyful movement in Nature

Joyful movement is such an important key pillar of wellness, it can offer some surprisingly beneficial changes to physical and mental wellness.

Physical Benefits

Walking is such a simple and sustainable daily habit for engaging with movement. Being active, stretching and breathing are all the simple things that we can sometimes take for granted. However, doing these and doing these in nature can have positive effects on our body.  When we walk in nature it is proven that we lower our levels of hormones such as cortisol, our breathing relaxes and we decrease our blood pressure. Ultimately, we feel calmer, more in control, more relaxed.

Brain Power

Research has suggested that walking in nature can also have a positive effect on our brain functioning and cognition.  

As we walk, if we consciously or unconsciously practice some simple mindfulness techniques we are inevitably training our brain to focus, to be more aware and help to retain immediate information better. Walking meditations are a super way of connecting, taking a moment and tuning into your inner instincts and thoughts. We tend to take time to process and reflect as we move in nature more helping us to cope with the present.

Immunity

Walking in nature, outdoors amid the trees, the blue skies, the beaches, the animals, the water, the flowers … it all means one wonderful thing. Fresh air. We are continually breathing in fresh, pure oxygen into our cells rejuvenating them as we go boosting our immune system. The fresh air can help us build a stronger response against viruses, colds, and the flu.

Mindfulness & Gratitude

There is a very simple mindfulness exercise that can help you enjoy the present moment and stop focusing on any thoughts clouding your mind. The Five Senses exercise goes like this:

1.      Notice five things that you can see

2.      Notice four things that you can hear

3.      Notice three things that you can feel

4.      Notice two things that you can smell

5.      Notice one thing that you can taste

When walking through nature, you begin to appreciate everything that is around you. You feel grateful to be where you are, to have the opportunity to experience all the wonders that surround you. Gratitude and perspective go hand in hand and sometimes after a busy week that is exactly what we all need.

So, pop on the walking shoes this week and enjoy moving that wonderful body of yours.

Here are some of our Enrich top picks for walking this weekend:

1.      Howth Cliff Walk, Co. Dublin

2.      Donadea Forest Park, Co. Kildare

3.      The Great South Wall Walk (PoolBeg Lighthouse)  

4.      Killiney Hill

5.      Ticknock

6.      Grand Canal Walk – Cliff at Lyons

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