Founder of trundl, Hil Mines, out walking with a team from DHL Supply Chain Management
The Mental Health Benefits of Walking in Nature With trundl
In our digitised world, the humble act of walking in green spaces undoubtedly offers huge mental wellbeing benefits. It’s for this reason that trundl isn’t simply about tracking steps. Instead, we’re on a mission to encourage everyone to get active outdoors and feel uplifted through a connection with nature. But we’re not just saying this. There’s strong evidence that walks in nature can improve overall mental health. One step at a time.
The Science of Nature and Mental Health
Research consistently shows that spending walking time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving mood and brain health.
The UK government’s Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) survey found that people who spend more time in natural environments report much better health and wellbeing.
Similarly, a study from the University of Exeter Medical School analysed data from nearly 20,000 people in England. They discovered that those who spent at least 120 minutes per week in nature were much more likely to report good health and mental wellbeing than those who didn’t get outdoors.
Key Mental Health Benefits of Walking in Nature
1. Stress Reduction
Walking in natural environments has been shown to lower cortisol – our body’s key stress hormone. For example, a report from the Mental Health Foundation found that people who regularly walk in natural green spaces had lower stress levels and better mental wellbeing.
2. Improved Mood and Depression Management
A study by Mind found that 94% of participants reported improved mood after taking ‘green exercise’. Their research showed that walking in nature reduced feelings of depression in 71% of participants.
Additionally, researchers at Kings College London developed a smartphone app called Urban Mind. Users recorded their daily walks in nature, while also tracking the impact upon their mental wellbeing. On the whole, being in nature showed marked uplifts in mood, with the positive effects lasting for several hours
3. Increased Mindfulness
Interestingly, walking in nature also encourages mindfulness – the practice of being present and engaged with your surroundings. The UK’s Mental Health Foundation recommends nature walks as a key mindfulness practice, noting that connecting with natural sources helps ground us in the present moment.
5. Improved Sleep Quality
As many know from personal experience, regular exercise outdoors usually leads to a good night’s sleep. Numerous studies show that outdoor activity, particularly morning walks in natural light, helps regulate sleep patterns and improves sleep quality
trundl member Liam walks regularly with his daughter and dog
How trundl Enhances Your Nature-Walking Experience
At trundl, we understand that walking for charity isn’t just about physical health or fundraising. It’s also about nurturing your complete wellbeing. Here’s how our app supports your mental health journey:
- Screen-Free Experience: Unlike other fitness apps, trundl is designed to stay in your pocket or bag while you walk, allowing you to be fully present in nature without digital distractions.
- No Pressure Approach: We’ve intentionally avoided leaderboards, streak counters, or rigid goals that can create stress. Instead, your walking journey is personal, not a competition. But you may be surprised to find that you do walk further and more often with trundl!
- Mindful Walking Support: Similarly, without intrusive pings, you can practice being in the moment, connecting with nature at your own pace.
- Focus on Charitable Impact: Rather than obsessing over personal stats, trundl shifts your attention to the positive difference your walking makes for others. Enhancing your sense of purpose and wellbeing.
- Simple Tracking: Since the app quietly records your efforts in the background, you can focus on the sensory experience of being in nature. You can set goals if you like to, but that’s a personal choice.
In Summary: Walk Your Way to Better Mental Health
Without question, walking in nature provides strong mental health benefits, from stress reduction to improved brain performance. With trundl, every step you take not only supports worthy causes but also nurtures your own mental wellbeing.
By making nature walks a regular part of a routine, you’re investing in your mental health while also making a positive impact through charity fundraising. It’s a win-win approach to wellness that’s as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.
