There’s No Better Time for a Walk in the Woods
It’s fall and we’re embracing starting to embrace the inward and contemplative yin energy that peaks in Winter. To really fold into the slowing down of the season, try to take as many walks in nature as you can muster. This will help you truly tune in to the Autumnal energetics and reap some health benefits to boot.
Recently, researchers have started to look at the physical and psychological benefits of nature-based walking. Studies have shown that walking among trees helps to:
- Lower blood pressure
- Decrease heart rate
- Lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and inflammatory agents
- Improve mood and cognitive abilities
- Improve immune function
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, a walk outside is one of the best things we can do to strengthen the Lungs, which just so happens to be the corresponding organ of Fall. And what better time to walk in nature?
The ground we walk on is now a carpet of colorful fallen leaves, creating a satisfying crunch with each step. The trees are bold with vibrant color. And perhaps most importantly, the air has become clean and cool, the smells are warm and intoxicating. It’s almost as if the season itself is enticing us to breathe in deeply and slowly – to inhale not only an abundance of air, but also the beauty all around us. Those deep breaths are a treat for our lungs.
Fall: The Season of the Lungs and Large Intestine
The Lungs, considered a yin organ, is associated with taking in the new. Emotionally, the Lungs coincide with grief, sadness and attachment. When these emotions are left unprocessed, they can stagnate the Lung channel. However, when Lung qi/energy is flowing and balanced, one can experience enhanced clarity of thought, positive self-image, and allow inner peace and joy, regardless of circumstances.
Consider breathing in deeply on your walk, taking in every detail of your environment and embracing your current state of being. To help process your emotions: on the inhale, notice how you feel without judgement. On your exhale, release and let it go. You can even bring a bit of intentional thought to your breath with a mantra.
The other organ associated with fall is the Large Intestine. This yang organ helps to release the old and is associated with how we flow with what life delivers. When the Large Intestine channel is blocked, we may notice an inability to let go, uptightness, stubbornness, stagnation, and a negative outlook (glass half empty vs. half full perspective). However, when the Large Intestine qi is flowing and balanced, there can be an increased sense of relaxation, an ability to release what no longer serves, and better flow and flexibility with life, in general.
With each step of your walk, allow yourself to let go of the stresses of modern life, embrace the gift of nature’s beauty, and release any tightness in your body and mind. To connect with a sense of flow and calm, try a walk near water.
Walking Tips
The following tips are based on two years of walking nearly every day in nature. Frankly, I felt the best I’ve ever felt during that time. Should you get hooked like I did, here are some tips you may find helpful:
Be prepared.
Check the weather in advance so that you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store. Plan your clothes and shoes accordingly. Learn the art of layering in the winter.
If you throw a walk into your day, you may need to bring extra clothes or shoes.
Don’t forget to take sunset time into consideration, especially after Daylight Saving in November. After sunset you have about 20-30 minutes of walking time. Plan accordingly so you’re not in the middle of the woods in the dark.
Consider getting a hydration pack for long walks.
More of a cautionary tale, keep your eyes off your phone and aware of your surroundings. You never know what can happen from one bad trip.
Fitting Walks Into Your Life.
Another reason to check the weather. Sometimes it’s the weather that determines when you’re walking.
A nature walk in the morning is one of the best ways to start your day. Try it!
Spend most of your time at work or school? Check to see if there’s a trail in the area, so that you can walk before or after your work/school day. Or perhaps there’s one along your route?
Take a walk before or after an errand, appointment or meeting if there’s a great spot nearby.
Re-route your errands so that they’re close to a local or state park.
Need to catch up with a friend or loved one? Invite them out for a walk. Or invite a group of friends for a walk!
Leaving town? Plan ahead and see what the area has to offer, as well. If you’re driving, check for walking pit-stops along your route (also a great way to stretch your legs or wait out an accident or rush hour traffic).
Need Some Inspiration?
Consider the following local walks/trails during this time of year.
Close to one of our clinics
Peep some leaves
Great for connecting to water
Non-dirt path (good after a heavy rain)
Get your heart rate up (i.e. incline)
Bathroom
Use the AllTrails app to stay on track
Druid Hill Park Trail (Baltimore)
Although the reservoir is under renovation, the woods are still filled with beautiful trees. Plus, there’s a fun secret spot to discover near Woodberry.
Lake Roland Red Trail (Towson)
Park in the designated area up Falls Road to immerse yourself quickly in the canopy of trees.
Stoney Run (Baltimore)
A hidden gem with a Sacred Places bench for a bit of rest and relaxation.
Quarry Lake Loop (Pikesville)
Just steps from our Quarry Lake location, try this lake loop walk before or after your session.
Cylburn Arboretum Trail (Baltimore)
This can be particularly interesting in the Fall as there are some unique trees on-site.
Harbor Walk (Baltimore)
Start at the Canton Waterfront park (free parking!) and head towards Fells Point. This is a great walk when you’re craving being near water but don’t want to leave the city. Beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Oregon Ridge (Cockeysville)
Enjoy the painted trees and variations of terrain.
Lake Loops of Columbia (Columbia)
Wilde Lake, Lake Kittamaqundi and Centennial Park are particularly beautiful. These satisfying loops are great after a heavy rain or for anyone that loves a good loop around a lake.
Cascade Falls Loop Trail, Patapsco Valley State Park (Elkridge)
Gets particularly crowded during the Summer due to the waterfall features but it’s beautiful all year-round.
Northern Central Railroad Trail (varies)
For much of this trail, you’re walking along the Gunpowder. Although wonderful year-round, it makes a good winter trek, as well. Head north from Monkton or Parkton lots.
Morgan Mill Road and/or Trail at Loch Raven Park (Glen Arm)
On the weekends, Loch Raven Road closes to let walkers take-over, soak up the area’s tall trees and check out a spectacular view of the reservoir. If you’re looking for more of a hike in the woods, the Morgan Mill Trail is a great option.
For more information about the trails listed here: visit AllTrails.com. Even better, download their FREE app from the App Store or Google Play. The app allows real-time tracking to help you stay on the right path, a searchable database, trailheads, photos, reviews and more – all at your fingertips.
