Fresh Air, Strong Steps, Well Minds

There’s something about being outside that just sorts your head out, isn’t there?
Whether it’s a stomp through soggy woodland, a gentle park walk with a coffee in hand or just sitting on a bench and watching the clouds go by, fresh air does something for the soul. It’s not a miracle cure, but it helps. And that’s what we’re all about at Well Minds Psychological Therapy Service, small, real-life steps that support better mental health.

We’re two Yorkshire therapists who work hard to support our clients in a calm, safe, indoor space where people can talk openly. But we also recognise that what happens outside those sessions matters too. Being in nature, moving your body, and noticing what lifts your mood can be powerful companions to the work we do in the therapy room.

Why outdoors?

So much of what we work with in therapy such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, makes people feel stuck. Mentally and physically. Thoughts go round in circles, motivation disappears, and everything feels heavy and overwhelming. That’s where movement, and especially movement outside, can be gently powerful.

From a CBT perspective, getting moving is part of something we call behavioural activation. This is essentially doing things even when you don’t feel like it to help shift mood. Getting outside ticks so many boxes: natural light, fresh air, movement, a change of scenery, even a chat if you’re with someone else. It’s not just good for you. It can actually change the way your brain functions.

Spending time in nature can also help us feel more connected to other people, to the seasons, and to something bigger than ourselves. When you’re feeling low or overwhelmed, those small moments of connection can remind you that you’re not alone. And that’s vital.

And then there’s EMDR, one of our specialisms. It’s a therapy that helps people process trauma, and interestingly, it uses a form of rhythm or movement to do that. So, when we talk about “strong steps,” we really mean it. Walking, moving from left to right, helps settle and organise the brain. There’s a reason people say, “walk it off.”

What this looks like in therapy

We’re not personal trainers in disguise, don’t worry.
But we are interested in how lifestyle supports emotional wellbeing. In therapy sessions, we might encourage people to experiment with small outdoor goals, not big, unrealistic stuff, just five minutes outside sitting in your doorstep with a cuppa or taking the dog a bit further than usual.

In couples therapy, we sometimes suggest partners go for a walk together after a tricky conversation, it’s easier to talk side by side, rather than face to face, especially if emotions are running high. There’s something grounding about the rhythm of walking and talking, especially when you’re not eyeballing each other across a room.

But what if I don’t feel like it?

This is the real bit. We know when you’re struggling, the last thing you want is someone chirpily suggesting a walk like it’s going to fix everything. It won’t. But it might help you feel 2% better and that’s worth something.
You don’t need to hike the Dales or take up wild swimming (though power to you if you do). It’s about accessible steps, fresh air in your lungs, a change of scene, feeling your feet on the ground. Even opening a window is a start.

A few gentle tips:

• Don’t overthink it. Put your shoes on and head out the door, even if it’s just to the end of the road and back.
• Make it easy. Pair it with something nice – music, a podcast, a catch-up with a friend.
• Lower the bar. Five minutes still counts.
• Be kind to yourself. It’s not about doing it perfectly; it’s about doing something.
• Notice the small stuff. The breeze, the birdsong, your breath. That’s mindfulness without the app.

Final thoughts

Mental health isn’t one big fix, it’s made up of small, daily steps. And those steps are often stronger when taken outdoors.

At Well Minds, we’re here for the talking, the working-through, and the practical s but we also believe in the healing power of a muddy walk, a shared moment in nature, and the kind of movement that comes without pressure.

So next time your head’s full and your heart’s heavy, consider the simplest step of all: get outside. Breathe in. Move a little.
You might be surprised how much better you feel.

Fresh Air, Strong Steps, Well Minds.