Why Walking in Nature is a Hormonal Health Superpower
This week was Earth Day, and I want to talk about something simple, powerful, and often overlooked: walking, especially walking in nature.
Long before I became a menopause coach and personal trainer, I was an art teacher and a qualified forest school leader. A lot of my art projects involved bringing nature into the classroom or take I’ve always believed in the healing power of the outdoors. Now, as I support people through perimenopause and menopause, I’ve seen how deeply beneficial nature can be for energy, mood, and hormonal balance.
And the science backs it up.
1. Trees literally make us feel better.
When we walk in wooded areas, we breathe in compounds called phytoncides, these are essential oils released by trees. Studies show these natural chemicals can:
Lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone, which gets raised during peri/menopause)
Improve immune function
Reduce anxiety and depression
It’s why “forest bathing” is now so popular but really, it’s something humans have instinctively done for centuries.
2. The soil beneath our feet can boost our mood.
Soil isn’t just dirt. It’s alive with beneficial microbes. One, Mycobacterium vaccae, has been shown to stimulate the release of serotonin in the brain, this is the very same neurotransmitter targeted by many antidepressants.
This means a walk in the woods (or even gardening) can genuinely lift your mood and support your mental wellbeing.
Regular walking improves circulation, reduces inflammation, supports blood sugar balance, and improves sleep all crucial during the hormonal shifts of midlife. Add in the stress-reducing effects of being in green spaces, and you’ve got a natural remedy that supports body and mind.
Make time to reconnect with the outdoors
It doesn’t have to be a hike up a mountain. A stroll through your local park, a few laps around the garden, or a barefoot moment in the grass all count. Your body is always listening and nature always has something to offer.
Breathe in. Slow down. Move gently.
And say thank you to the Earth for holding us so well.
Fancy joining me for a Ramble and Ramen?
We’re heading for a walk around the Hemlock Stone, Erewash Canal and Pit Lane on Saturday 24th May, ending at a fantastic loacl Ramen place, fancy joining me - drop me an email for more details rosie@blossomwithrosie.co.uk
