Because sometimes you don’t need a therapist—maybe you just need to touch some grass.
We had been on the road, in our heads, and a little off track (both figuratively and literally). Using this road trip as a way to distract from the chaos of life: grief, farmhouse renovations, finances, family, yaaaa know the usual. So naturally we wanted to disconnect and hit a trail. After relaxing at White Gull Inn in their hot tub suite for the night we walked down to Blue Horse Coffee for a scone and dirty chai to hold me over until breakfast at White Gull Inn, (which was some BOMB stuffed cherry French toast). Perfect pre-hike carb load. After breakfast we headed into Peninsula State Park.
We first climbed the Eagle Tower to see an overlook of Lake Michigan and trampled up the steps like the rest of the visitors. It was hot, buggy, but beautiful. After a warm up for our legs on the stairs, we followed a dirt path down Eagle Bay Trail until the only sound left was our feet. No service. A cool breeze through the trees. Just forest and breath.
The Medicine of Movement
There’s something about walking under trees that resets your entire nervous system. I’m not talking about “hiking for a workout.” I mean walking like your thoughts depend on it. Letting the rhythm of your body remind your brain that you’re safe. You’re here.
Somewhere between a patch of wild moss and a low-hanging cedar, I finally exhaled.
Not a shallow breath. A real one.
Try This: 4–4–8 Breathing (Trail Edition)
When my thoughts start spiraling mid-hike, I turn to a simple but powerful technique called 4–4–8 breathing—a method designed to calm the nervous system and reset your mind.
Inhale for 4. Hold for 4. Exhale for 8.
Three rounds. That’s it. It’s like a reset button for my whole body.
Try it next time you’re surrounded by trees—or even pacing your kitchen with too many tabs open in your brain. This breathing technique was my go to when my dad passed away. In moments I thought I was about to have a panic attack. It brought me back to center.
The Gear That Let Me Get Lost (In a Good Way)
I am a minimalist at heart and once I find a pair of shoes that I love , I buy them over and over. So my tried and true is black ON Clouds —lightweight, breathable, and surprisingly grippy for a minimalist shoe. No rubbing, no clunky heel drop, just smooth steps over rocks, sticks, and emotions.
(And cute enough for a post-hike burger stop. Priorities.)
Why This Walk Mattered
We didn’t fix anything on that trail.
But we didn’t need to. We just needed some breathing room.
We moved together, in sync, talking and joking. And I remembered why hiking with my husband always works wonders on my mental health—his Taurus earthy grounded-ness always brings me peace. Step by step, clearing space for me and each other.
The forest doesn’t solve your problems.
But it gives you a mirror.
And sometimes that’s more than enough.
If you’re ever in Door County, find a trail. Let the earth carry you for a bit.
And breathe.
