Why walking and talking therapy is so popular

Spring is in the air and that means we can all get out and about more often. This is great news for everyone – obviously physically, but also it has an array of benefits for us mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This is why there’s such a growing popularity for walking and talking therapy and coaching.

Our mind, body and soul/spirit are all inextricably linked. Of course they are, because they are all in the same walking–talking-breathing-thinking-feeling-heartbeating human! In his latest bestselling book, The Myth of Normal, the esteemed Dr Gabor Maté writes mind and body as “mindbody”. He explains this is to help people realise it is absolutely connected.

This is all part of a growing regaining of a knowledge that our ancestors knew and acted on when people were struggling whether it be physical or emotional. But in the past 100 years this has drifted away from us, perhaps partly under the influence of science and some involved with big pharma. Yet consider how the word “psychiatrist” that was first used in the 19th Century derives from words meaning “mind, breath, soul healer”.

So walking and talking coaching or therapy is something I have been strongly encouraging. Sometimes a one-to-one session needs to be face-to-face. But with the people I help as well as now increasingly around the world, people are discovering that walking and talking is hugely beneficial all round for mindbody and soul – or adding to what Dr Maté is saying, we could call it “mindbodysoul”.

Walking and talking 

Also known as outdoor, green or nature therapy, it is when a coach or therapist/counsellor and the person they’re helping walk and talk while strolling in a park, on a beach, in the mountains or some other natural environment. It helps if it’s a tranquil setting, not least so both people can listen and speak without difficulty. But also as this will increase the mindbodysoul benefits.

Some other excellent benefits it offers are:

1. Improved mental health: Many studies have shown that being among nature has a positive effect on our overall wellbeing. Sometimes also known as ecotherapy, it has been found to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is because being in nature activates our parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down the heart rate.

2. Increased physical activity: Regular exercise has been shown to improve cardiovascular health. Too many of us spend too much time just sitting, which is simply not healthy for us. As well, many people seeking help have not been looking after themselves well for some time in terms of eating healthily and exercising. This can be due to such as an addiction, depression or anxiety. So walking and talking gets them back on track all round and will give an energy boost.

3. Reduced stress: Walking and talking in nature gives a sense of escape from the stressors of everyday life, allowing people to step back and clear their minds. They find that they return to their daily lives with a fresh perspective.

4. Improved focus and concentration: It helps with focus and concentration, making it easier to process thoughts and feelings. This is due to the combination of physical exercise, being in nature, and the presence of a coach or therapist, which gives a unique environment for reflection and self-discovery.

5. Connection with nature: Being in nature brings on and enhances a sense of wonder and gratitude for this world. Feeling grateful is extremely important to our wellbeing. The more grateful we are, the more comes into our life to be grateful about – every day. Also, when looking at such as the sky, mountains, a lake, river or the sea, it “right-sizes” us, putting any worries we have into perspective.

6. Increased self-awareness: It gives a safe supportive environment to explore thoughts and emotions, helping to increase self-awareness and insight. This is especially helpful for people who are looking to understand their emotions, motivations and personal challenges.

7. Improved cognitive function: Studies have found that regularly being in nature improves cognitive function, including memory and attention.

8. Better creativity: Being in nature also increases creativity. It stimulates the imagination and inspires fresh ideas.

9. Greater relaxation: Many people feel more relaxed in the open space of the great outdoors to speak honestly in a less “official” and enclosed setting than a room.

10. Sense of community: It can be done as part of a group, which helps build relationships and create a strong sense of community. This is particularly beneficial for anyone who’s feeling lonely or isolated. “Walking with other people is the most natural form of communication I know,” says Nerja’s Jon Keo who leads groups of locals and visitors on walking tours around the area ( www.hikingwalkingspain.com/ ). “We communicate with each other and we also form a community with each other.”

Especially with spring here, I fully recommend walking and talking therapy – and of course around Andalucía we are blessed with beautiful sunny weather and stunning scenery. It’s more than ideal.

My article as it appears in Soltalk magazine.