{"id":37939,"date":"2023-12-15T13:02:02","date_gmt":"2023-12-15T12:02:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/niet-gecategoriseerd\/why-walking-in-nature-is-good-for-your-health\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T18:21:05","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T16:21:05","slug":"why-walking-in-nature-is-good-for-your-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/green-travel-tips\/why-walking-in-nature-is-good-for-your-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Walking in Nature Is Good for Your Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiking in Nature Is Good for the Body and Mind<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We all know by now that walking isn\u2019t just fun\u2014it\u2019s also good for your health. A 15-minute walk every day does wonders for your body and mind. What\u2019s less well known is that walking in nature is even better for you. A great deal of scientific research has been conducted on this topic, and the effect of nature on people and our behavior is astonishing. Read more about the effects of forest bathing and all the benefits of walking in nature.    <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiking in Nature Is Good for Your Health: Five Key Benefits  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The five most important scientifically proven benefits of hiking in nature:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stress and anxiety are reduced<br\/>Research has shown that spending time in nature can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improve your mood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cardiovascular health is on the rise<br\/>Regular walks in nature can help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall heart health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The immune system is strengthened<br\/>Exposure to nature appears to increase the number of natural &#8220;killer cells&#8221; in your body, which helps fight infections and diseases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your creativity and focus are enhanced<br\/>Spending time in nature can help improve attention and cognitive function, making it easier to concentrate and be more creative.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improving Your Overall Well-Being<br\/>Spending time in nature has been linked to a better self-image and improved overall well-being.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiking in Nature Is Good for Your Health<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spending time in nature helps you get more physical activity, which is important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of various chronic diseases. Modern approaches to health promotion are increasingly focused on prevention. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Nature as the Fourth Pillar of Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Historically, there has always been a strong focus on nutrition, sleep, and physical activity as key factors in maintaining good health. It is now increasingly recognized that nature <strong> <\/strong>In addition to these three pillars, the fourth pillar of health should be taken into account. People who live near green spaces are naturally more physically active. Read on to learn about the positive impact nature has on your body.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walking in nature can have a positive impact on your physical health. Regular physical activity is important in any case for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/category\/hiking-tours\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/category\/wandelroutes\">Hiking<\/a> in nature is a great way to get your daily dose of exercise while enjoying the beauty of the Outdoor life. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"2221\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Alpenuberquerung-koe-met-wandelaar-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2221\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"19325\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Wandelen-naar-kasteel-Waldeck-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Northern Vosges - Hiking to Waldeck Castle\" class=\"wp-image-19325\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Wandelen-naar-kasteel-Waldeck-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Wandelen-naar-kasteel-Waldeck-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiking in Nature Is Good for Your Mental Health<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research has shown that walking in nature also reduces stress and anxiety, improves your mood, and promotes overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Studies have shown that spending time in a green environment can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1618866717304296\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Polish research has shown<\/a> that stress levels decrease in young adults who took a 15-minute walk through a city park during the winter. Just ten minutes of brisk walking a day can make a difference, although you\u2019ll reap the greatest benefits if you spend about two hours a week in nature. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nature Makes You Happy<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to reducing stress, walking in nature can also improve your mood and overall well-being. Nature stimulates your senses and promotes a sense of happiness. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2014.00976\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Psychological research<\/a> has also shown that people who spend more time in nature tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recharging in Nature<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scientists who study the effects of nature on our mental well-being are convinced that exposure to a natural environment allows us to \u201creset.\u201d It can be a much-needed break from the many stimuli of daily life. Our brains are constantly searching for information and patterns, but in nature we experience something completely different: there are no computers or phones, no other people\u2014just ourselves, the open air, and trees. This gives our minds a sense of calm and space, allowing us to catch our breath mentally.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"304\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/8407-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2643\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/8407-1.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/8407-1-480x228.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 640px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Walking in Nature Is Good for Concentration<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research has also shown that walking in nature can improve your focus and concentration. It slows your heart rate and breathing and triggers the release of calming hormones such as endorphins. Anxiety and stress are reduced, and you can focus better and think more creatively. In addition, taking walks outdoors provides a change of scenery and a break from your daily routine. You get a cognitive break and your mind is refreshed, which improves your ability to take action and make better decisions.    <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"27204\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/NTL-02-10-2025-15-59-46-Mieke-Tacken--1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Nature on the hike to Preikestolen\" class=\"wp-image-27204\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/NTL-02-10-2025-15-59-46-Mieke-Tacken--980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/NTL-02-10-2025-15-59-46-Mieke-Tacken--480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2229\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Uitrusten-op-de-berg-bij-Fugen-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2229\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"28035\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SUPRAMONTE-DORGALI-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Supramonte Dorgali - Nature\" class=\"wp-image-28035\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SUPRAMONTE-DORGALI-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SUPRAMONTE-DORGALI-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiking in Nature Is Good for Your Health: Take a Forest Bath<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Part of this boost in immune system function is attributed to \u201cphytoncides.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/silvotherapy.co.uk\/articles\/phytoncides-and-terpines\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/silvotherapy.co.uk\/articles\/phytoncides-and-terpines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Phytoncides<\/a> are natural oils found in trees and plants that are part of their defense system. Trees known to produce particularly high levels of phytoncides include the evergreen cedar, spruce, conifers, and pines, as well as the oak. These natural oils are beneficial not only to trees but also to us humans. In addition to boosting the immune system by increasing the number of immune cells, inhaling these oils has been shown to:   <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>has anti-inflammatory effects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>helps you relax and reduces activity in the autonomic nervous system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>reduces stress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>sleep improves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>lowers blood sugar levels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Shinrin-Yoku<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Japan, a forest bath is called \u201cShinrin-yoku,\u201d which essentially means a short, relaxing visit to the forest. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2793341\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Japanese research<\/a> has shown that walking in nature can even strengthen the immune system. Research into the effects of forest bathing showed that a monthly forest bathing trip resulted in an increase in \u201cnatural killer cells\u201d (NK cells) in the bloodstream that lasted for more than 30 days. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to the benefits for physical and mental health, walking in nature can, of course, also be a great way to connect with friends, family, or coworkers. Whether you go for a walk alone or with others, nature provides the perfect setting for meaningful conversations and quality time. Walking side by side without constant eye contact makes conversation flow more naturally and allows you to communicate more openly.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_4984-1-1-1-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Bamboo Forest in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-28651\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_4984-1-1-1-1-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_4984-1-1-1-1-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\"><strong>Better Places:<\/strong> Do you enjoy hiking and would you like to go hiking in a small group during your vacation? Then check out <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/betterplaces.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/betterplaces.nl\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Better Places<\/a><\/strong>. They offer a variety of small-group hiking trips to unique destinations with stunning natural scenery throughout Europe\u2014whether close to home, in the mountains, or with a specific theme like photography.   <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nature Mindfulness<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his book *The Art and Science of Forest Bathing*, Dr. Qing Li, an international expert in the field of forest medicine, demonstrates the power of nature and the forest. We instinctively know that nature is good for us. In Japanese, there is a word for this: <strong>*yugen*<\/strong>\u2014feeling at one with nature.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Biophilia is the idea that humans have an innate need to connect with nature. In 1984, American biologist Edward O. Wilson introduced the idea that humans have a natural tendency to seek a connection with nature and other life forms. It has also been shown that children who spend a lot of time playing in nature during their childhood tend to appreciate and respect nature more as adults.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"7494\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Barefoot-wandelen-strand-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Walking barefoot on the beach\" class=\"wp-image-7494\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Barefoot-wandelen-strand-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Barefoot-wandelen-strand-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" data-id=\"7493\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Bos-Castricum-Nederland-rotated.jpg\" alt=\"Bos Castricum - Netherlands\" class=\"wp-image-7493\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Bos-Castricum-Nederland-rotated.jpg 480w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Bos-Castricum-Nederland-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of Barefoot Hiking in Nature<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people believe that being barefoot in nature has its own benefits. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31831261\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research shows<\/a> that direct contact with the earth\u2019s surface\u2014literally \u201cgrounding\u201d\u2014can reduce inflammation, pain, and stress while simultaneously improving blood flow, energy levels, and sleep quality. Furthermore, it has been discovered that direct contact with the earth can be important for regulating daily biological rhythms that aid in the secretion of hormones, such as cortisol. Of course, it\u2019s not for everyone. It also takes some practice.   <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A connection with nature promotes sustainable behavior<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research has also shown that time spent in nature and a stronger connection to nature can lead to an increase in environmentally friendly behavior. By consciously walking in nature, you are more likely to treat the environment in a more sustainable way, recycle, and participate in activities that are environmentally responsible, while reducing your participation in activities that are harmful to the environment. <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiking Vacation in Nature &amp; Wellness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short: hiking in nature isn\u2019t just fun\u2014it\u2019s also a simple and powerful way to improve your physical and mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to strengthening the immune system, the benefits of spending time in nature are numerous and scientifically proven. What\u2019s more, it can benefit our planet as well.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, if you have a moment, go for a walk\u2014a stroll in the park or just a mindful walk in a nearby forest. Experience the many benefits of nature for yourself. Discover how just one forest bath a month can improve your mood and health.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The studies above clearly show that walking in nature is good for you. Be sure to set aside some extra time for it on your vacation and go for a walk. The natural scenery in many destinations is surprisingly beautiful and diverse. Take a look, for example, at the stunning <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/italie\/toscane\/natuur-in-toscane\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1266\">natural beauty of Tuscany<\/a>.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Click here for our tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/category\/hiking-tours\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/category\/wandelreizen\/\">hiking vacations<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hiking in Nature Is Good for the Body and Mind We all know by now that walking isn\u2019t just fun\u2014it\u2019s also good for your health. A 15-minute walk every day does wonders for your body and mind. What\u2019s less well known is that walking in nature is even better for you. A great deal of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":37951,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[213,191],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37939","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-green-travel-tips","category-hiking-tours"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37939","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37939"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37939\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37939"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37939"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37939"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}