Research increasingly shows that time spent in natural environments can have a measurable impact on mental and physical well-being. Studies linked to the UK’s “Five Ways to Wellbeing” highlight that regular time outdoors can help reduce stress levels, improve mood and increase focus.

In our recent blog, we looked at several walks throughout Northern Ireland that are suitable for Spring, and the kit you should bring.

The weather can be changeable at this time of year, but the good news is that even relatively short periods outside can make a difference. A study from the University of Exeter found that people who spend at least two hours a week in green spaces report significantly higher levels of well-being and better overall health than those who do not.

Walking in natural landscapes also combines several positive factors at once: gentle exercise, fresh air, natural scenery and social connection. For many people, this combination helps create a sense of perspective that can be difficult to find during a busy working week.

How Green Therapy events support wellbeing in the workplace

Spending time outdoors together creates a very different environment from the workplace. Walking side by side removes many of the usual pressures and hierarchies, and conversations tend to flow more naturally. For organisations, structured walking events can help teams reconnect, encourage movement after long periods at desks, and provide space for people to reset both mentally and physically.

If your business is just starting out with green therapy events, here are some useful reminders:

• Always put safety first – if you are not qualified or fully confident to lead a group, seek out a professional who is.
• Ensure participants are kitted out appropriately, with spare clothing, drinks and snacks. Carry a well-stocked First Aid kit and know how to use it.
• Choose a location with wider, well-surfaced paths and gentle gradients, to encourage chat, regardless of fitness levels.
• Not everyone may be comfortable with the physical exertion and sense of exposure that comes with steeper terrain.

Partnering with Positive Steps Outdoors

At Positive Steps Outdoors, our Green Therapy sessions are designed to be accessible and inclusive. We guide the walks, manage the route and terrain, and introduce simple mindfulness techniques that help participants slow down, take notice of their surroundings and reconnect with themselves and each other. For many people, it is not just about the walk itself, but about discovering a positive habit they can continue long after the day is over.

For organisations considering a wellbeing initiative this spring, guided outdoor sessions can offer a simple and effective starting point.

Next steps

Spring is the perfect time to start small and build momentum. Whether that means exploring a forest park trail, revisiting a favourite reservoir walk or taking your first steps onto the lower slopes of the mountains, the most important thing is simply to get started.

As we move towards Mental Health Awareness Week in May, the national conversation will focus on awareness. In our next blog, we will explore why awareness alone is not enough, and how taking action, whether through walking, connecting with nature or supporting each other, can make a lasting difference to our mental health and wellbeing.

Get in touch to discuss how we can make green therapy work in your workplace.