One of the activities I make time for almost every day is brisk walking in nature.
My fitness journey began many years ago after I was diagnosed with PCOS, a hormonal condition that's often linked to insulin resistance and metabolic issues. Before I became a mum, I used to jog twice a day—once in the morning and again in the evening—at the park.
After becoming a mother, my routine changed. The twice-daily runs became a single run at 5:30 every morning before heading to work. Later, when I left the corporate world to become a work-from-home mum, I continued my daily runs faithfully, rain or shine - with an umbrella on rainy days.
Then age gradually caught up with me. My knees started to protest, so I swapped running for swimming and brisk walking. Today, I still brisk walk five to six times a week, on top of my strength training sessions at the gym.
Now that I'm back in Ipoh, I'm blessed to live in a neighbourhood surrounded by majestic limestone hills and lush greenery. Being immersed in nature has become one of the most therapeutic parts of my day.
Worry and emotional stress have always been my greatest enemies. They can affect my mental well-being, sleep, mood, and overall health. Whenever life feels overwhelming, my favourite way to clear my mind is simply to step outdoors.
Unlike hiking or exercising for fitness, forest bathing isn't about burning calories, reaching a destination, or hitting a distance goal. It's about slowing down, being fully present, and allowing nature to soothe your mind.
On days when I'm tired, I stroll at a leisurely pace. When I'm feeling energetic, I brisk walk or even break into a run. Either way, just 30 minutes surrounded by trees and hills leaves me feeling calmer, clearer, and happier.
I don't bring my phone with me. I don't wear headphones or earphones. Instead, I listen to the birds singing, monkeys calling in the distance, dogs barking, and the gentle rustling of leaves as the wind moves through the trees.
For me, this is the best prescription for a calmer nervous system. It helps quiet anxiety, ease worry, clear brain fog, and restore my emotional balance.
Nature is my reset button. It asks for nothing, gives so much, and best of all—it's completely free. 
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