If you’ve ever been struggling with your mental health and heard a doctor suggest “just go for a walk,” you’re not alone in feeling frustrated. For many, this advice can land badly, feel oversimplified or even dismissive, especially when it feels like you’re drowning and someone hands you a life jacket made of paper.
But despite how it sounds, this advice isn’t meant to be a cure-all. It’s based on a growing body of evidence showing that regular, gentle movement, especially in natural environments, can support emotional well-being in meaningful ways.
Let’s break down what’s behind the suggestion and why it might actually help (even if it doesn’t feel like it right now).
Why Do Doctors Recommend Walking for Mental Health?
Research consistently shows that walking, particularly in green spaces, can:
- Lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone)
- Improve sleep and concentration
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Help regulate mood and support emotional processing
Going for a walk isn’t just a nice idea, it’s backed by solid evidence. Studies show that regular physical activity, especially walking in natural settings, can support mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. It also helps improve mood, cognitive function, and overall emotional resilience (Bird, 2007; Kelly et al., 2018a; Carter et al., 2021).
What makes walking especially powerful is its accessibility. Unlike other forms of exercise, it’s simple to incorporate into daily life and doesn’t require special equipment or fitness levels. When done in green spaces, walking has the added benefit of “nature contact,” which is increasingly recognised as a key factor in public mental health (Frumkin et al., 2017; Department of Health, 2014).
Nature-based movement offers restorative effects, including reduced psychological stress and fatigue, improved concentration, and enhanced emotional well-being (Lovell et al., 2018; Hartig et al., 2014). If you’re curious about how to make the most of nature’s benefits, Mind offers practical advice on connecting with green spaces.
Why It Still Feels So Frustrating?
If walking genuinely helps, why does the suggestion make so many people angry?
Because when you’re in a vulnerable mental state, what you need is to feel seen, not told to fix it yourself. Walking may be beneficial, but it’s not a substitute for therapy, medication, or real emotional support. When offered without empathy or context, it can really feel like a brush-off.
But reframing it as one small part of care, not the whole plan, can make it more accessible.
Six Calm and Manageable Walking Spots in Kent
If you’re based in Medway or nearby, here are six peaceful places where you can get some fresh air without the overwhelm of a long trek or busy crowds.
1 – Riverside Country Park, Rainham
Estuary views, birdwatching, and flat paths. A gentle, quiet location with wide open spaces and plenty of benches. Ideal for low-pressure movement and calming scenery.
2 – Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham
Woodland trails and open meadows. A mix of shade and openness that offers variety without overstimulation, especially helpful when you’re feeling stuck in your head.
3 – Great Lines Heritage Park, Gillingham
Spacious and central. An easy-to-access open space for clearing your thoughts. It’s flat, straightforward, and not too isolated—helpful if you’re just starting to ease back into movement.
4 – Ranscombe Farm Reserve, Cuxton
Quiet and tucked away. Part of the Kent Downs, this lesser-known spot features wildflowers and peaceful trails without large crowds.
5 – Broomhill Park, Strood
Short incline with rewarding views. Smaller and more compact, this park offers a gentle hill walk and a sense of completion. The view at the top can provide a surprising lift.
6 – Jeskyns Community Woodland, near Cobham
Flat, structured, and family-friendly. Wide, accessible trails with a café and quiet zones, perfect if you want somewhere calm, organised, and not overwhelming.
A Small Step, Not a Solution
These aren’t just “nice places to go.” They can become part of building emotional resilience, especially when paired with therapy, rest, or medication. A short, calming walk may not solve everything, but it can offer a brief pause. And in mental health, small moments of relief matter.
If motivation is low or the world feels too heavy, it’s okay to pause. Try taking small steps, like getting outside for a few minutes for some fresh air and a change of scenery.
Thinking About Therapy in Kent or Online?
I offer a free 15-minute consultation for those considering therapy in Gillingham, Kent or online. There’s no pressure, just a chance to see if we’d work well together. Contact us today to book your consultation.
