Caring for Mental Health in Nature: A Trip to the Baltic Sea’s Coastal Cliffs in Inkoo
“The well-being effects of nature begin quickly and last for a long time.” This is stated in the section about nature as a source of well-being on the Mielenterveystalo.fi website. Hopefully, many of us have personally experienced this to be true in our own lives. The past few years have not made things easy for anyone in terms of mental endurance, so making a habit of regularly heading into nature—ideally as often as possible—will hopefully be accessible to many people. Over the weekend, my partner and I went to clear our minds at the Kopparnäs outdoor area in Inkoo, and the sea breeze and coastal nature did wonders for us.
- Starting point on the map
- Route: 3.5 km (2.17 mi)
- Campfire site: No
- Accessible: No
- Arriving by car: Klobbackantie 25, Inkoo (several other parking areas can be found along the same road)
- Arriving by public transport: Not possible
This article ties into topics related to mental health and well-being while we walk the circular route counterclockwise.
The overnight frost had hardened the ground and caused it to heave when we stepped out of the car onto the circular trail marked with orange signs. The sky was cloudy—as it has seemed to be for a thousand years this winter in this Southern part of Finland—but we didn’t mind. We were finally going to the seashore again, to watch and listen to the dark, open sea swirling, to smell the faint scent of brackish water and seaweed in the damp air, and to rest our minds from the constant stream of bad news that floods in from all directions, all the time.
Editorial note: Mielenterveystalo.fi is an online service that provides information related to mental health for both the public and professionals in the social and healthcare sectors, available in Finnish and Swedish. The quotes from this website in this article have been translated from Finnish.
Mielenterveystalo lists the following well-being effects of nature:
- Blood pressure decreases (in as little as 15–20 minutes)
- Physical symptoms lessen—for example, headaches may disappear
- Stress is relieved, which in turn can boost immunity
- Mood improves
- Physical activity increases—“Exercise in nature feels lighter than indoors.”
- Social well-being improves
After following the forest path, we reached the sea and got to climb the stunning coastal cliffs. We weren’t wearing spiked shoes that could leave ugly and irreversible marks on the ancient bedrock, so we fully enjoyed our time on the shore while also carefully avoiding the frozen puddles and icy runoff streams.
After just a short while on the shore, all the worries of the outside world had faded from our minds. Climbing up, down, and sideways on the cliffs required delightful concentration and teamwork. We had to scan the terrain with our eyes, engage our brains to figure out the best routes, carefully place each step, and sometimes even use our hands for support.
This kind of movement, different from everyday routines, felt good both physically and mentally. Time ceased to exist—what remained was simply the joy of moving through the landscape, without any specific goals or expectations.
“You don’t need to venture into the wilderness for long periods to experience the benefits of nature. Even short visits to parks, forest trails, or shorelines have positive effects on both physical and mental well-being.” – Mielenterveystalo
My husband, being taller than me, had a slightly easier time navigating the cliffs. His longer stride allowed him to step effortlessly from one rocky ledge to another. Chivalrously, he extended his hand to support me whenever he saw that I needed it, ensuring that I too could safely make it through the steeper sections.
I realized that this wasn’t just quality time in nature—it was quality time in our relationship as well. We were able to be both children and adults together, fully present for each other while also having moments of quiet to let our thoughts drift in the gentle sea breeze.
While such relationship-building and mental health-boosting moments can and should be enjoyed even in local nature, visiting a completely new place added an extra layer to the experience. When everything we saw was unfamiliar yet fascinating and beautiful, our focus was entirely on our senses, preventing our minds from drifting back to everyday concerns. It also created a special, shared memory—a little adventure where we explored unknown terrain together, side by side.
We climbed back up from the water’s edge to a high rock, offering a stunning view of the distant horizon. For me, gazing out at the sea and horizon is the perfect way to rest both my eyes and my thoughts—it even works better for me than staring into a fire. The sea makes you feel small, yet at the same time, it represents a kind of eternity, a steady anchor amid life’s uncertainties. No matter how much the world changes, the Baltic Sea and its shores will likely remain throughout our lifetime. It’s a sanctuary that I can always rely on.
I closed my eyes and listened to the sound of the wind and the gentle waves lapping against the rocky shore.
On the western cliffs of Klobbacka, I took many photos with my phone. I captured the rocks—their colors, shapes, details, and grand formations shaped by the mingling of rock types, lichens, algae, the Ice Age, water, and even the previous night’s frost.
In nature, creativity surfaces effortlessly. Since nature—and hopefully one’s hiking companions—doesn’t judge, it’s easier to be yourself and express yourself freely. You can dance, sing, take photos, create figures out of sticks and cones, or paint. (And if your hiking companion does judge you for being yourself, don’t hesitate to change company. Not even nature can undo the effects of a toxic person.)
For me, photography is a way to let my creativity play in nature. I also find great joy in looking at the pictures afterward, which is why capturing memories from my most meaningful hikes is so important to me.
Some of my most cherished nature memories have been printed and framed on the wall. I’ve chosen the photos not just for their beauty but for their emotional significance. When a picture features not only a stunning landscape but also a beloved place, person, or pet, the amount of happiness it brings multiplies. In my experience, personal photos provide a much greater sense of well-being than generic, mass-produced prints from stores.
“Simply seeing and hearing nature enhances well-being and happiness. Nature images and sounds can, for example, improve mood and relieve pain.”
Talking about mental health and well-being is fortunately much more common and accepted today than it was in the past. There is no shame in admitting that your mind is struggling—few people, if any, go through life without difficulties, always knowing how to handle their emotions perfectly, never experiencing mental challenges.
Many of us carry a wide range of burdens, and at times, feelings of anxiety and hopelessness can take over. For some, the weight may come from an overwhelming workload, unemployment, or financial struggles. For others, it might stem from friendships—or the lack thereof—or even from the state of the world, eco-anxiety, and the helplessness of witnessing injustice, crime, and inequality around the globe.
In Finland, we are very lucky to have access to nature everywhere, and with our Everyone’s Rights, we are free to explore it. Even a brief moment in nature each day can help, without the need for any special activity. There are always things we cannot change or control, but by stepping into nature as often as possible, we support our own well-being and mental health—one nature moment at a time.
Taking care of our health, including mental health, is an essential act of self-care that should never be dismissed or induce guilt. Our well-being is also in the best interest of our loved ones.
We descended from the highest cliffs and continued our journey under the cover of the coastal forest. The solid rock shores gave way to stony beaches, where waves had washed up bladderwrack and reed stalks. The path became more straightforward—whereas the dramatic cliffs had invited us to explore, pause, and take in the atmosphere, the shoreline trail led us forward at a steady pace, allowing us to settle into a shared flow of conversation and movement.
“Exercise helps to relieve the tension and alertness caused by anxiety. It also eases physical symptoms of anxiety, such as nausea or trembling. (…) We recommend at least 3 x 30 minutes of exercise per week. Even a small amount is better than none.” – Mielenterveystalo
The sea breeze and fresh air had turned our cheeks rosy. My nose was running, but luckily, I found an old tissue, now dry, in my pocket. What would a winter walk by the sea be without red cheeks and a runny nose!
Toward the end of the loop, I felt both pleasantly relaxed and refreshed. The storm of thoughts in my mind had quieted, and I was more present in the moment and in my body than before. The worries of the wider world had faded into the background, replaced by a stronger sense of presence.
At the same time, my partner and I had found ourselves deep in meaningful conversations, even revisiting old memories and the emotions they carried. Reflecting on these moments together was healing. This is exactly why I love discussing things in nature. Walking along a forest path makes it easier and more natural to talk.
For this same reason, I have taken a couple of my now-close friends on a nature walk the first time we met. Getting to know someone new feels effortless while walking outdoors. There’s no awkwardness—just a relaxed atmosphere. Nature offers easy topics to talk about, and without the pressures of social masks or defenses, genuine connections can form. There is a certain magic in nature.
I was happy we had chosen this particular hike, despite the cloudy sky. I had long been craving sunlight, but even though we didn’t get it once again, spending time outdoors by the sea in a new location was the best possible decision.
The sea is always good for the soul. Nature is always good for the soul.
It is always worth heading outdoors, even if it’s just to the forest or park near your home.
Let’s take care of our minds, our well-being, and each other.
This article has been translated from Finnish using AI assistance.
Read also
Embraced by the March Baltic Sea: Early Spring Beauty at Porkkalanniemi in Kirkkonummi
The Healing Power of Pine Forests: Breathe in Health in the Finnish Woods
The Finnish Secret: Embracing Nature for Better Health
8 Ways to Spend Time in the Finnish Nature in Spring
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