Walk Your Way to Wellness: The Mental Health Benefits of Moving More and The Kidlington Explorer Health Routes
Hi - My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I am a fully qualified Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire.
As a hypnotherapist, I'm always exploring new avenues to support mental health and wellbeing.
Today, I want to highlight a simple yet powerful activity that not only boosts your mental health but also ties into the principles of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy: walking and exercise.
Understanding the neuroscience behind why moving more improves our mood and mental state can deepen our appreciation for nature's role in our mental health journey.
Moreover, I’m excited to introduce you to a fantastic way to incorporate walking into your routine through the explorer trails in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
The Neuroscience of Walking and Mental Health
Walking and exercise do more than just improve physical fitness; they have a profound effect on our brain chemistry.
Engaging in regular physical activity can increase the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a crucial role in regulating mood and emotions.
Exercise also stimulates the production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators, often leading to what is known as the "runner's high."
Furthermore, engaging in physical activities can reduce levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, helping us manage stress and anxiety more effectively.
The Neuroscience of Being In Nature
Immersing oneself in nature engages the brain in unique ways that are beneficial for mental health, backed by a growing body of neuroscience research.
Natural settings trigger a cascade of neurological changes that promote relaxation and reduce stress.
For instance, exposure to nature has been shown to lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, the brain region associated with rumination — where we cyclically focus on negative thoughts. However, it's important to note that rumination is a complex process that likely involves multiple areas of the brain, including the limbic system, which is responsible for emotion regulation
This reduction in neural activity helps alleviate stress and anxiety.
Additionally, natural environments stimulate the brain's default mode network in a gentle way, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving, without the overload of sensory input that urban environments often impose.
This holistic stimulation supports mental health recovery, resilience, and well-being by fostering a calming, yet invigorated mental state.
Discover Kidlington's Explorer Trails
Taken directly from: https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/3/leisure-and-wellbeing/246/countryside-walks-and-health-routes/5
For residents and visitors of Kidlington, Oxfordshire looking to blend the mental health benefits of walking with the exploration of local heritage, the new Explorer Trails offer a perfect opportunity. Following the success of the Zoo Trails, the Cherwell’s K5 Better Together partnership has launched three historic trails that invite adventurers on a journey through the villages and countryside surrounding Kidlington.
The trails, designed in collaboration with local walking groups, span approximately five miles each and take about three hours to complete. They offer a glimpse into the area's hidden heritage while providing a healthy dose of exercise. However, it’s important to note that these walks can be challenging and include paths crossing stiles, making them unsuitable for those with limited mobility.
The Water Vole Trail: This route takes you along the Oxford Canal to visit notable landmarks, including Vanbrugh’s Privy at Hampden Manor.
The Kingfisher Trail: Wander through the villages of Hampton Poyle, Shipton-on-Cherwell, and Thrupp, with historic sites like St Giles’ Church on your path.
The Butterfly Trail: Explore the scenic areas around Islip, Noke, and Woodeaton, immersing yourself in the beauty of the countryside.
These trails not only promote physical health but also connect walkers to the rich tapestry of Kidlington's history, supported by detailed maps and photographs from the Kidlington Camera Club.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these trails offer a unique way to explore the area, enhance your mental wellbeing, and embody the principles of solution-focused hypnotherapy.
For those interested, hard copies of the maps are available at Kidlington library and Exeter Hall, or you can download a version to start your adventure.
Want to find out more about how hypnotherapy can improve your mental health?
In-person at my Oxfordshire Therapy Room (Upper Heyford, near Bicester or Online via Zoom).
The first step to setting yourself free and living the life you want.
My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I am a fully qualified Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy®, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire.
I assist people in regaining control of their lives by retraining their brains to overcome limiting thought patterns, master their emotions, and cultivate resilient behaviors for a brighter and more positive future.. I know… It’s awesome!
a nutshell, I ‘get you out of your own way’. Because, let’s face it, a lot of us are.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy taps into the power of your subconscious mind so you can move forward towards the life you’ve always wanted to live. It’s a quick, practical way to address thought patterns, emotions and behaviours that are holding you back in life.
I’m also a Level 3 Qualified Personal Trainer, after working in a gym environment in my early career.
I’m a registered and accredited member of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH) and National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH).
Hypnotherapy sessions can be done either in my garden therapy room in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire (Near Bicester). Ideally situated, it also serves individuals in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire and I also work online nationwide via Zoom.