Steps Through the Trees

She walked along the forest path, letting the sound of birds and rustling leaves guide her pace. Exposure to natural environments has been shown to reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and improve mood (Bratman et al. 2).

Walking outdoors also restores attention and enhances cognitive function, which increases motivation and mental clarity (Berman et al. 1207). Each step strengthened her awareness of the present moment and reminded her that movement in nature nurtures both body and mind.

Works Cited (MLA)

Berman, Marc G., et al. “The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature.” Psychological Science, vol. 19, no. 12, 2008, pp. 1207–1212.
Bratman, Gregory N., et al. “Nature and Mental Health: An Ecosystem Service Perspective.” Science Advances, vol. 5, no. 7, 2019, eaax0903.