Bernard O'Shea: I wear the latest in sporting technology - for the daily walk

Bernard O'Shea. Photograph Moya Nolan

Nature has long been known to have a positive impact on mental health. Various studies have highlighted that immersing yourself in it can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Gone is the stereotype hippy “getting away from it all, man” vibes to a culture of hiking and trail walking that has seen a massive boom during the pandemic.

Now, I wander around shopping centres with expensive brand-named thermal gear just in case a freak blizzard happens to me on my way to the heated underground car park.