The One Thing Most People Get Wrong About Anxiety
Most people think the goal is to get rid of anxiety — to make it stop, quiet the mind, and feel “normal” again.
But anxiety isn’t something to fight. It’s something to listen to.
Anxiety is your body’s built-in alarm system. It’s not broken; it’s trying to keep you safe. The problem is that, over time, the alarm starts going off even when there’s no real danger. Instead of helping, it begins to run the show.
When you spend your energy resisting or suppressing anxiety, you’re effectively telling your mind that something really is wrong — reinforcing the cycle you’re trying to escape.
So what’s the one thing most people get wrong?
They see anxiety as the enemy, rather than a messenger.
Once you stop fighting and start listening, something changes. You begin to hear what your body’s trying to say — that you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or running on empty.
Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up; it means creating space to breathe.
And that’s where nature helps.
Why nature helps reset the alarm system
When you step outside, your senses pull you back into the present.
The sound of wind through trees, the crunch of gravel, the cool air on your skin — all remind your nervous system that it’s safe to stand down.
Research shows that time in nature lowers stress hormones and boosts mood (Kaplan, 1995; Ulrich, 1984). In forest therapy, this is known as attention restoration — the mind softens its grip, and the body moves from fight-or-flight into rest-and-restore.
That’s why our guided therapy walks in the Lake District often feel like a deep exhale — they offer a space to process, not suppress.
If you’ve ever felt like you can’t switch off, even a short walk outdoors can make a real difference. The combination of movement, mindfulness, and natural surroundings helps regulate stress, steady the breath, and calm the body’s alarm system (Bratman et al., 2019).
You don’t have to “fix” anxiety — you just need to understand it
When you see anxiety as a signal instead of a flaw, you take back control.
The goal isn’t to be fearless — it’s to feel safe enough to keep walking through the fear.
Next time your heart races or your thoughts spiral, pause. Step outside.
Let the wind remind you that it’s OK to slow down. Let the mountains hold what feels too heavy to carry alone.
You’re not broken — you’re responding. And nature can help you find balance again (Mind UK, 2023).
Find support in nature
If this resonates, explore how Minds in the Mountains supports people seeking anxiety help through reflective, nature-based wellbeing walks in the heart of the Lake District.
You can also read Sustainable Calm: Managing Anxiety as the Seasons Change for gentle techniques to stay grounded year-round.
Learn more about my background and approach on the About page, or reach out through the Contact page if you’d like to join a future session.
Quick answers people search for
What helps with anxiety fast?
Grounding your senses outdoors — noticing what you can see, hear, and feel — quickly calms the body. Try it on a short walk or join a guided session.
Is walking good for anxiety?
Yes. Gentle movement in natural spaces helps regulate mood and attention (Kaplan, 1995). Read more in Sustainable Calm.
Can nature-based therapy help if I’m overwhelmed?
Many people report clearer thinking, steadier breathing, and improved sleep after time in nature. Learn more about the approach or get in touch.
Bibliography
Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15(3), 169–182. View study
Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421. View abstract
Bratman, G. N., Anderson, C. B., Berman, M. G., Cochran, B., de Vries, S., et al. (2019). Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science Advances, 5(7). Read paper
Mind (UK). How nature benefits mental health. mind.org.uk — Nature and mental health