A Simple Path to Health: Mindful Walking with Alex Strauss

In this interview, Charlie and Alex discuss the concept of mindful walking and its benefits for both mental and physical health. Alex explains that mindful walking is about being fully present during a walk, without distractions like music or conversation. She emphasizes that this practice combines mindfulness, physical movement, and exposure to nature, which together create a powerful synergy that can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.

Alex introduces the W.A.L.K. formula—Walk or Wander, Attune, Let Go, and Keep It Up—as a simple guide to incorporating mindful walking into daily routines. She also talks about the benefits of spending time in nature, which has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and attention fatigue, a condition many people suffer from due to constant connectivity and distractions.

The conversation touches on how people can enjoy mindful walking even in less-than-ideal weather, with Alex encouraging listeners to embrace walking in the rain or simply observing nature from indoors.

They also discuss tools that Alex has developed to support this practice, including her book The Mindful Walker and a deck of 52 cards called the Simple Path, which offer different mindful walking activities.

Finally, Alex shares that spending more time in nature naturally increases our desire to protect the environment. The pandemic, she notes, has led many to rediscover the outdoors and sparked a greater interest in mindful practices. Charlie and Alex both express hope that these shifts in mindset will continue to grow, fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.
Links
Alex Strauss - The Mindful Walker - Youtube
The Mindful Walker Website
Books
The Mindful Walker - Alex Strauss
Stolen Focus - Johann Hari
Darin Olien - Fatal Conveniences
Key Takeaways

• Mindful walking is about being fully present during your walk
• It combines mindfulness, movement, and nature exposure for holistic benefits.
• The W.A.L.K. formula: Walk or Wander, Attune, Let Go, Keep It Up.
• Spending time in nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and combats attention fatigue.
• Tools like the Simple Path Card Deck and The Mindful Walker book support this practice.

Get in touch

Thanks for listening to the Healthy Home Show Podcast. If you would like to see the video version of this podcast, please head over to our show on Youtube.
If you're an Instagram lover you can follow us for tips and strategies at The Healthy Home Therapist where we also run some lunchtime Insta Lives so that you can get help with any questions you may have on toxins in our homes and lifestyle and how to create an environment that supports your health.
If you would like to discuss a bespoke health programme for you or your workplace or would like to hire me as a speaker for your next wellbeing event, please contact me at [email protected].
For blogs, tips and free resources check out the website : www.charlielemmer.com
With love Charlie x