19: There’s A Walk For That with Harriet Thomas - Episode 1919: There’s A Walk For That with Harriet Thomas - Episode 19
UK Health Radio Podcast
Harriet Thomas talks with Vanessa Potter about how mindful walking can transform health and well-being. Discover the science-backed benefits of ParkBathe.
34:16•25 Jan 2026
Walking Into Wellness: The Power of ParkBathe
Episode Overview
- Walking can transform both physical and mental health.
- Mindful walking helps reduce anxiety and rumination.
- Nature offers profound calming effects on the nervous system.
- Slowing down allows for deeper connection with oneself and surroundings.
- ParkBathe adapts forest bathing practices for urban environments.
“"Once that switch is on, those things become available to you, whereas they weren't in the past."”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? For Harriet Thomas, it was the simple act of walking that transformed her life. In this episode of 'There’s A Walk For That', Harriet sits down with Vanessa Potter, a wellness practitioner who shares her extraordinary journey from TV producer to founder of ParkBathe. Vanessa’s life took a dramatic turn when an autoimmune illness left her blind and paralysed.
Her recovery involved a deep dive into meditation and mind-body practices, leading to groundbreaking collaborations with neuroscientists and the creation of ParkBathe, a mindful walking practice in urban parks. Vanessa recounts her experience of piecing her world back together as her vision returned, describing it as a backstage pass to her own visual system. Her story is not just about personal triumph but also about the power of nature to heal and inspire.
ParkBathe invites participants to slow down and appreciate the subtle beauty of their surroundings, turning even the grottiest urban parks into sanctuaries of wonder. This episode is a compelling exploration of how mindful walking can reduce anxiety and rumination, offering a gentle yet powerful antidote to the fast-paced demands of modern life. Vanessa’s insights into the science behind nature’s calming effects are both fascinating and accessible, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking peace and connection in their daily routine.
So, why not lace up your shoes and see what wonders await you on your next walk?

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