Ireland
Last summer when I traveled to Ireland I expected breathtaking scenery, rolling green hills, and plenty of rain. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the country would regulate my nervous system.
Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle, and after visiting, it’s easy to understand why. Spending time in green spaces has been linked to lower stress, improved mood, and better focus. Surrounded by open fields, fresh air, and a slower pace of life, I could feel my mind and body begin to reset.
From Galway to Shannonbridge, Ballinasloe, Kiltoom, and Culliaghmore, I was surrounded by endless green landscapes that invited me to slow down. Whether I was taking in the Cliffs of Moher, enjoying a pint of Guinness at a local pub, driving through the countryside, or shopping at Dubary’s, I found myself feeling more present with every stop.
Traveling as a coping strategy
When life feels overstimulating or mentally exhausting, sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is change our environment. Here’s how Ireland became a reset for me:
Nature therapy: Ireland’s lush green landscapes and open countryside naturally encourage you to slow down. Research suggests that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, and restore attention.
Fresh air and movement: Spending time outdoors invited me to do something we often encourage in therapy: pause. Deep breathing, gentle movement, and connecting with nature can help shift the nervous system out of “fight or flight” and into a calmer, more regulated state.
Connection: Whether sharing stories over a pint of Guinness, gathering with family, or spending an evening in Galway’s historic pubs, Ireland reminded me that connection is one of the most powerful forms of self-care.
Presence over productivity: Ireland’s slower pace made it easier to stop rushing and simply enjoy the moment—a reminder that wellness isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about noticing more.
Planning Your Own Wellness Escape?
If you’re looking for a destination that encourages you to slow down and reconnect, Ireland is well worth the trip! Wander through the colorful streets of Galway, experience the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, enjoy a boat ride along the River Shannon, or spend an evening in a cozy pub sharing stories over a pint of Guinness. Between its lush landscapes, rich history, and emphasis on community, Ireland offers more than a beautiful vacation, it offers the space to simply be.
Sometimes, the best destination isn’t the one with the busiest itinerary, it’s the one that gives your mind permission to slow down.
In DBT, we often use mindfulness to help regulate emotions. I didn’t set out to practice mindfulness in Ireland, but somewhere between the rolling hills and quiet countryside, I realized I already was. I was noticing the wind, the smell of the fresh air, the sound of birds, and the feeling of my feet on the ground. Sometimes the best coping skills aren’t the ones we force, but the ones our environment naturally invites us to practice.
Mental Helath Tip from your traveling therapist
Presence isn’t always found by doing more. It’s found by noticing more. Sometimes the best souvenir you bring home isn’t something you bought, it’s the feeling of being more connected to yourself and the people around you.
