Walking for Wellbeing - Inner and Outer Adventures

 

How often do you lace up your hiking boots and head outside? Do you enjoy mindful walks in the forest, breathing in the crisp scented air, crunching fallen leaves on the path, and watching the clouds in the sky. A simple, mindful walk such as this could be extremely beneficial to our health and wellbeing, especially in today’s stressful technology-dominated world.

Photo by A.F.

Photo by Photo by A.F.

The idea of daily mindful walks and nature connection has been around since ancient times. Hippocrates proclaimed “If you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood go for another walk.”Aotearoa New Zealand (A-NZ) is renowned for its Great Walks which pass through spectacular scenery and diverse environments inducing awe and wonder. Local research suggests that access to the outdoors is a major benefit of living in A-NZ. Over the last three years people across A-NZ and the world have turned to walking to help cope with isolation, to reduce feeling of anxiety and to embrace change.

According to the New Zealand Ministry of Health website walking is the most popular sport and recreation activity among adults in this country. It is low risk and help reduce the incidence of certain health-related conditions such as obesity and heart disease. Yet walking is something we might often take for granted.

After being on hold during the pandemic, the annual Adventure Therapy Aotearoa Conference was finally held earlier last month in Christchurch/Ōtautahi. The purpose of the organization is to strengthen formal and informal connections between adventure, nature, and experiential-based therapy practitioners in Aotearoa New Zealand. Liam and I both attended and I facilitated a workshop on Walking and Well-being encouraging attendees to reflect on how this could be integrated with journal writing for selfcare as well as including conversation efforts for those offering adventure therapy.

Although the recent Great Walks booking delays  have rustrated many, bookings are expected to open soon. There are a limited number of slots so walkers should bear in mind there are numerous other stunning walks which are great, including Queen Charlotte Track located in our Brilliant Backyard. In addition, there are other walks in the Picton and Nelson areas which offer great walking to enhance wellbeing. As you prepare for you walk don't forget to pack your journal and writing tools. When are you heading out?

~Debbie