Enjoying a mindful forest walk

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Focus on your feet as they lift, the movement of your legs, the way your body shifts from side-to-side. Visiting forest environments can help lower blood pressure and pulse rate, reduce cortisol levels and suppress sympathetic nervous activity, making us feel calm and relaxed. 2

Spend a few minutes looking at what’s around you – trees, flowers, birds, colours, shapes, movement, light. Noticing more is associated with more positive mood outcomes, vitality and energy, reduced fatigue, frustration, worry and depression. 3

Shift focus to the sounds of the forest – from your feet hitting the floor to squirrels scurrying along branches. Our senses are engaged differently and our attention changes when we are in a forest environment. 4

Do the same for smells – one of our senses most powerfully linked to memory and place, and a sensitivity to which has been linked with increases in life satisfaction, happiness and the sense of one’s life being worthwhile. 5

Move on to physical sensations – the warmth from sunlight, a cool breeze... The gentle sensory stimulation of the forest environment helps us be more naturally mindful, and can help us feel settled if we’re anxious or lift us if we’re low. 6

Then bring your attention back to your body, and how it moves and feels when you walk. Mindful walking in a forest can help us feel more alert, improve our cognitive function and our mood. For more info on forest wellbeing and a range of resources visit