We often think of therapy as something that happens in an office, but sometimes the best medicine is waiting just outside our door. A simple walk in the park, sitting under a tree, or breathing fresh air can do wonders for our mental health. Many people struggling with stress, anxiety, or even PTSD have found comfort and strength by reconnecting with nature.
To explore how nature and mental health are deeply linked, I spoke with Devang Thapliyal, an outdoor educator by profession and a nature lover at heart. Once an engineer, Devang chose to follow his passion for the wilderness. Over the years, he has worked as a wilderness guide, trainer, and program manager – managing large adventure sites, leading teams, and now creating relatable outdoor storytelling through his social media presence.
Think of this read not as a lecture, but as a friendly reminder: the next time life feels overwhelming, the outdoors might just have the reset button you’re looking for.
Walking Outdoors: A Simple Therapy for Stress
Is it really true that a 15 – 20 minute walk outside can reset the mind, or is it just a trendy “touch grass” idea?
“How you walk is as important as where you walk,” Devang explained. “A mindful walk means paying attention to sensory details – the coolness of the air, the sound of birds, the rhythm of your footsteps. These details interrupt rumination and bring you into the present moment.”
Research backs this up. The attention restoration theory shows that our ability to focus is limited and easily depleted by the demands of modern life. Nature offers what scientists call soft fascination – gentle stimuli that allow our minds to recover. This reset works best when we leave our phones behind; a quiet walk without gadgets lets us notice the birds, the rustling leaves, and the little details we often miss.
“Not every walk delivers the same result,” Devang added. “A polluted, noisy street won’t calm you the way a quiet green patch can. But with daily practice, mindful walking outdoors can significantly reduce stress and boost mental wellness.”
From Sugarcane Fields to Global Trails
When asked about his personal journey, Devang smiled. “The outdoors was my first classroom. I grew up with sugarcane fields behind my home, where green was the color of everyday life. Later, family trips to the mountains deepened that bond. Nature wasn’t just scenery – it felt godly, untamed, and spiritual.”
After studying engineering, he entered the corporate world. “Sitting in front of screens all day, I felt my senses dull. The city’s pollution, endless deadlines, and artificial light made me long for the clarity of wild places. I knew I had to return – not just as a hobby, but as a way of life.”
His decision led him to pursue mountaineering courses, where he earned an Alpha grade. “It was more than a certificate – it proved passion could become a sustainable career.”
From guiding people on their first treks to designing safety systems for large expeditions, Devang has dedicated his career to making outdoor therapy both accessible and safe. “Over time, this path carried me across countries and cultures, through high mountains and deep forests. Each climb, each trail, and each group I’ve led has shaped me. The outdoors isn’t just my work – it’s my teacher and healer.”
Taking the First Step Outdoors
For those unsure where to begin, Devang’s advice is simple: “Start small, start local. You don’t need to book an expedition or buy expensive gear. The outdoors is as close as your nearest park, trail, or even a stretch of open sky.”
He suggests beginning with short, mindful experiences – watching a sunrise, walking by a riverside, or camping in the backyard. “Go with curiosity rather than pressure,” he said. “Community helps too – invite friends along. These small steps are the spark for lifelong connection.”
Mindfulness, Humility, and Healing in Nature
Spending time in nature isn’t just physical – it’s deeply mindful. Devang explained: “Mindfulness outdoors starts with slowing down. It’s not about racing to the summit, but enjoying the journey. There’s no checklist. It’s about tuning into your senses – sight, sound, touch, even smell. The morning air, the brush of wind, the tickle of snow – it all brings you into direct connection with the environment.”
For him, this practice quiets the mental noise. “Rumination slows, the chatter softens. Nature humbles you. Standing before mountains or oceans reminds you of your place in the world. Recently, I began ocean sports. The waves humbled me like nothing else – each slap during open-water swimming was both a lesson and a reminder of resilience.”
He believes this is where the true healing power of the outdoors lies: “Mindfulness in nature isn’t just a practice – it’s medicine for the mind.”
Final Thoughts
Devang’s journey is a powerful reminder that spending time outdoors is more than a leisure activity—it’s an essential part of caring for our mental health. Whether through a mindful walk, a mountain trek, or simply sitting beneath a tree, nature offers us clarity, grounding, and renewal.
So the next time stress builds up, consider stepping outside. Let the outdoors do what it’s always done—restore balance, heal the mind, and remind us of the beauty of simply being alive.
At Green Schools Green Future, we are building our first self-sustaining green school—one that emphasizes outdoor education from the earliest stages of life, nurturing future leaders and protectors of our planet through sustainable learning
Donate to the GSGF Foundation and help make a difference! Donations are highly appreciated and we are very grateful for a platform where we can share our vision.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more such updates!
Devang Thapliyal’s Socials – Instagram, YouTube
References:
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10937404.2016.1196155#abstract
