Walking is one of the best things we can do for ourselves – it burns calories, improves sleep, reduces heart disease risk, and supports healthy aging. But Silent Walks can be especially great for mental health. The goal of a silent walk is to immerse yourself in the present moment and your surroundings without any distractions.
Evidence shows that silent walks can help counteract the stresses of daily life. They allow individuals to stay active, unplug, and tap into their surroundings instead of paying attention to the music in their ears or chatting with someone on the phone. It’s nice to shift your focus to nature – soaking up the sunshine, listening to the birds chirping, and admiring the beauty of nature wherever you are walking.
If you decide to give a silent walk a try, here are some tips to help you tap into your senses to get the most out of the experience:
- Notice the feeling of the ground beneath your feet as you walk.
- Look up at the sky – its color, the shapes of clouds, and, if you’re lucky, those beautiful rainbows.
- Focus on your breath and try to feel your heart rate.
- Dismiss distracting thoughts that might pop up and pull you out of the present moment.
- Take note of the smells – flowers, barbeques, fresh-cut grass.
- Appreciate your surroundings, whatever they may be.
Source:
https://www.health.com/silent-walking-trend-mental-health-7965822
