Tread Lightly: The value of country walks - and switching your phone off
Tread Lightly is a gentle and positive way of sharing ideas and suggestions for lifestyle changes to help our planet, our wildlife and ultimately ourselves.
At what is often a challenging time of year, I thought it would be beneficial to focus on our mental wellbeing and how country walks can help tackle the stress, anxiety and frustration of modern life.
Technological advancements mean that we are processing a lot more inputs and information, including 24-hour news, a seemingly endless number of television channels, the internet and social media. It also means that we are nearly always reachable and connected.
While this brings huge benefits, it also means that our brains are coping with a lot more data and have little time to switch off. One of the things I have found helpful is to turn off my mobile phone at least once a week.
I can confirm that doing this has not caused my social network to collapse or the world to end, nor have I experienced any ‘fear of missing out’, also known as FOMO in modern parlance.
But with the increasing pressure and inputs, it is becoming more and more important to give ourselves time to breathe. The American naturalist John Burroughs put it very well when he said: “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
The Covid pandemic demonstrated the importance of spending time outdoors for both our physical and mental health, resulting in an increased interest in the concept of ‘green and blue prescriptions.’
These aim to help patients by supporting them to take part in nature-based activities including walking, cycling or getting involved in a local community garden. Key advocates of this approach, which also aims to relieve some of the pressure on the NHS, include the GP, television presenter and vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts, Dr Amir Khan.
At the end of 2020, the government allocated a small fund for seven projects to assess how connecting people with nature can improve mental health. This was supported by a cross-governmental partnership including NHS England and Natural England along with Sport England and the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP).
While these studies are interesting, I do not think we need to wait for the results, as many of us have already experienced the benefits of being outdoors and exploring the natural world. But, as we continue to return to some sort of normality, it is perhaps a good time to remind ourselves to take care of our wellbeing by enjoying some of the great walks we have in this area including:
- RSPB Nature Reserve at Fen Drayton Lakes, CB24 4RB
- National Trust Wimpole Estate, SG8 0BW
- The Wildlife Trust BCN Cambourne Nature Reserve, CB23 5BN
- Ely Country Park, CB7 4PU
- Wandlebury Country Park, CB22 3AE
- Milton Country Park, CB24 6AZ
- Walks along the river in Cambridge including Midsummer Common and out to Grantchester.
I know it can be tricky to find time to go for a walk, unless you have a very energetic dog, as I do. However, if you are struggling it can help to meet up with friends, especially if you plan routes which include a local pub or coffee shop (do not forget your reusable mug). It is also nice to be out on your own sometimes, just taking time to spot birds, wildlife and to enjoy the tapestry of trees, hedgerows, rivers, lakes and other natural habitats.
I would also recommend going for a countryside walk to teams and small businesses looking for opportunities to get together in a safe and healthy way. Friedrich Nietzsche clearly recognised the benefits this brings, stating: “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”
I am not sure that we can say all great ideas, but he certainly has a point!
Allie Birley is a freelance communications specialist offering comms and business support to small businesses, artisans, sustainability and wildlife projects, specialising in social media, website content and campaigns.