Where would you like to walk? Have you ever noticed that you are craving a particular landscape or place? i will do it.
I longed for rivers, cemeteries, and fields of starry sky, and often came back from the feeling of returning from my walks.
And I previously wrote a book on the health benefits of walking, so I thought the place I walked might have an impact on me as well, and subtly affect my thoughts and mood.
Walking in itself is undoubtedly aiding us both mentally and physically. Movement creates a cascade of chemicals in the body and brain, and promotes life so powerfully that scientists now call it a “molecule of hope.”
These include pain alle cartilage endocannabinoids that induce mild sedation and emotions of heart disease, reduce inflammation and improve memory.
Scientists have also discovered other “hope molecules” that are released during exercise, such as lactic acid. Once considered a waste that causes muscle pain, it is considered potentially preventive against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Lactic acid also causes the production of histone lactic acid, a chemical that can combat infection and cancer.
The idea that our health is connected to the landscape is nothing new. China’s earliest cities contained plenty of greenery and water to help with healing, and medieval European hospitals were located within the herb gardens in the corridor.
The early 20th century model, Garden City, such as Letchworth, was also thought to improve health and well-being.
I previously wrote a book on the health benefits of walking, which surprised me that the place I walked also had an impact on me, and subtly influenced my thoughts and mood, Annabelle Street wrote
However, recently, environmental psychologists and neuroscientists have begun to use scanning techniques to understand why it affects us.
A pioneering paper by the National Trust and the University of Surrey in 2017 found that three brain regions registered strong responses to the landscape, all involved in emotional processing and memory.
One of the most surprising discoveries of the past year is that walking between trees and plants actually transforms us at the cellular level by extending telomeres. Shortening of these protective caps at the edges of the chromosome leads to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are some fascinating ways that walking through different landscapes can affect our bodies.
Forest and forest
Benefits: immune function, blood pressure, stress, sleep.
![Forest bathing [being calm and quiet among the trees, and observing nature while breathing deeply] It may have potential preventative effects on depression (File image)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/04/14/15/97267031-14609171-image-m-8_1744642687391.jpg)
Forest bathing [being calm and quiet among the trees, and observing nature while breathing deeply] It may have potential preventative effects on depression (File image)
Japanese researchers were the first to identify the extraordinary effects of forests on human health, including amplifying the number of “natural killer” immune cells with anti-cancer properties.
Recently, a study of 20 men in their 50s found that walking through the forest significantly increased the levels of serotonin (the “happiness” hormone) when walking through the forest for four hours.
The researcher stated, “Forest bathing” [being calm and quiet among the trees, and observing nature while breathing deeply] It may have potential preventative effects on depression. “The clean air and visual interest in forests play a role, but Phytoncides, the compounds produced by trees, produce to protect themselves, has this great effect.
Walking through the forest (“dynamic forest bus”) offers even greater benefits. In one recent study in which participants took either an hour’s forest walk or an hour’s “sitting” walker’s mood significantly improved.
Can’t you sleep? A two-hour wooden afternoon walk improved sleep for 71 insomnia in a 2005 experiment, improving its duration and quality.
Coastline
Benefits: Asthma, dementia, cancer.

Inhaling certain chemicals produced by ocean air helps remove the body from damaged cells that form brain plaques found in Alzheimer’s disease, Annabelle Street (photo) writes
Coastal air contains extreme drops of seawater rich in iodine, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Some scientists believe that these minerals will soften the lining of our respiratory system, relieve asthma symptoms, stimulate the immune system and remove waste from our lungs. A study of patients with lung disease found that the spells breathing marine air can reduce coughing and improve lung function.
Inhaling certain chemicals produced by ocean air can even remove our bodies of damaged cells that form the brain plaques found in Alzheimer’s disease.
Marine scientist Michael Moore believes that the chemical composition of sea qi mitigates the effects of cardiovascular disease, depression, dementia, and inflammation, a known factor in many cancers.
Pharmaceutical companies are currently investigating yesotoxin, a molecule produced by plankton. This is thought to reduce melanoma cells in mice as an anti-cancer drug.
Country road
Benefits: anxiety, depression, memory, sleep, bones.

Lane Walking gives the best of both worlds: with rhythmic, non-intensive walks still in natural landscapes
Lane walking (such as country roads) is beneficial. This involves not only providing the Ministry of Finance for Wildlife and Plants as a ties, but also moving at speed and rhythm. Rhythmic movements are beneficial in alleviating anxiety and depression, according to a 2004 Polish study.
Recently, research in older adults has found that such movements improve not only physical health (strength, balance, flexibility), but also quality of life.
Shane O’Mara, a neuroscientist at Trinity College in Dublin, says the rhythm of walking induces “the brain rhythm” in the brain.
Research shows that active walking can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, dementia, osteoporosis and death, and improve sleep and mood.
This is because it releases brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), a protein that promotes the growth of new neuronal cells in the brain and connections within the brain. The Blisker movement produces more BDNF.
In recent years, new evidence shows that walking not only prevents bone loss, but can strengthen aging bones. However, it should be 6.3kmph (4mph) – and the last 40-45 minutes. This is a study by Dr. Katarina Borer, a professor of exercise science in the United States.
A gentle hill
Benefits: eye strain, heart disease, waistline, balance, bones.

Walking the slopes, our bodies move against gravity, moving our hearts and lungs even more strongly. We also use a variety of muscles, including the core and lower back muscles.
Speed up and slow down – This is what happens when we go up and down the hill, but is especially effective in promoting flooding of beneficial chemicals in our bodies, then pauses to recover.
And after erecting to the top of the hill, stopping to investigate the panorama in front of us is also perfect for eyes bound by tired screens.
According to Andrew Huberman, a US neuroscientist and ophthalmologist, when focusing on close-up objects (computers, screens, phones), such as computers, screens, phones, etc., the eyes muscles and nerves that control them are exacerbating myopia (myopia). He urges us to “see the long distances beyond three feet to Infinity throughout the day.”
Hill climbing also has a powerful advantage in the heart. When our Medic team analyzed stair climbing data from over 450,000 people over 12 years, they found that the number of upward steps daily was linked to a reduced risk of coronary artery disease or stroke. Those who climbed more than 50 levels a day (equivalent to hiking several short slopes) reduced the chances of heart disease by 20%.
Walking the slopes, our bodies move against gravity, moving our hearts and lungs even more strongly. It also uses a variety of muscles, including the core and lower back muscles. Walk the hills along the waistline, sense of balance, and the lower spine.
Dr. Borer also found that walking on both highways and downhills results in significant improvements in bone mineral density.
Walking around the city
Benefits: stress, fatigue.

Walking through the city’s historic dormitory encourages a deep, calm atmosphere
The urban landscape can also benefit. In 2017, Spanish researchers investigated the effects of walking in a “built environment” and compared squares filled with green and slight greenery, but there were bars, shops and churches.
Forty-six tired, stressed participants were surveyed before, during and after walking for 30 min walks around one of the squares.
Both groups showed increased concentration, increased happiness and reduced tension, anxiety, anger and fatigue. But surprisingly, people in the more stacked squares reported higher energy levels and much greater declines than the energy levels of the abundant green squares.
Other studies then show that as you walk through the city’s historic quarters, calm emotions encourage profound feelings.
In fact, research using brain scans suggests that temples, churches, courtyards and beautiful modern buildings are particularly skilled at rewiring our brains, making us feel “connected, grateful and still relaxed” in a contemplative state induced by contemplative architecture, a journal of architectural research reported in 2017.