This is what I do as well.

I like to listen to very fast and heavy music while I do it though, gives me what I affectionately term 'brain-static', and stops invasive thinking and allows me to appreciate my surrounds (I live in a small town with pretty scenery/unspoilt nature/clear night skies).

Walking home tonight under the stars was immensely relieving (although the fear of getting stabbed undid it slightly).