Long Nature Walks: A Powerful Tool for Clearing Your Mind

Photo by IB Wira Dyatmika on Unsplash

In today’s article I’m sharing an experience I gained from a routine nature walk.

The other day I went for a walk in my local city forest.

I had initially planned to spend 1-hour walking. I planned to walk for half an hour on the trail and then turn around and walk back to my car.

But plans change.

Nearly immediately after starting my walk, my mind started processing the junk information floating around in my head. One by one, the junk information was processed and tossed out like how you'd process your junk mail daily.

Clearing the junk mail brings mental clarity. It allows you to finally think clearly. 

This process had occurred throughout more than a mile of walking. Then, I reached a map location sign.  I realized I had gone farther than I had planned. I had also spent over half an hour walking.

But that was ok. 

I was having fun! And I was clearing my mind. When you’re making great progress clearing your mind, don’t stop. Let all of your thoughts flow out. Empty the mailbox.

Time had sped up.

Now, if you've ever tried meditation, you'd know that time typically feels agonizing slow while meditating.

Walking is a great way to get many of the mental health benefits that meditation offers. And you get the physical health benefits of cardiovascular exercise too!

I'd recommend walking over meditation (for most people) if I had to choose one over the other.

Back to the story

As I approached the sign, I decided not to turn back. I kept going.

I found a small, unbeaten trail nearby. And so I decided to explore it. This trail was a little over a mile long and ended at the other side of the trail loop I had previously walked.

I ended up completing a 2-hour walk, which was roughly 3.5 miles. 

During the rest of the hike, I felt presence and peace being where I belonged: In nature.

My mind was getting rid of the junk information. And I was starting to get some new ideas. Ideas that were potentially useful or at least insightful.

I also gained a new perspective on my business.

I had allowed my frustrations to deter me from taking the actions I most needed to take. I need to reach out to more potential clients. I had allowed myself to get sidetracked with other activities. I wasn't reaching out to potential clients as much as I needed to be doing. I needed to be doing more.

So, once I got home from my walk, I created a plan to get back on track.

Since then, I've been executing the plan and building my business each day. I’ve made significant progress in my skills in Direct Messaging prospects. I’ve built new connections. And I gained a renewed focus on the activities that move the needle towards my goals.

2 hours of walking turned into a reinvigorated business plan. The best work ideas you’ll gain come when you’re AWAY from your work. Take advantage of this insight.

Wrapping up

Clearing the mental clutter helps you unlock new insights into your life. Especially if you allow your mind to wander for long enough.

And don't stop clearing your mind if you're making great progress!

Long walks are powerful tools for your mental health. You’ll be surprised how much better you’ll feel from them.