Lush greenery, a gentle breeze across your face, the mild rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds. Imagine walking amidst nature in harmony with these sights and sounds. A walk sans distractions or interruptions of any sorts. Sounds blissful, right? Well, this is exactly the concept of silent walking.
Age Old Practice
A practice that has been often linked to meditation, silent walking was the norm decades agoand something many of us religiously practiced. In fact, silent walking is believed to have roots in Buddhism. Of course, it was a time when our day to day lives were much simpler, uncluttered and simply not so busy. On the contrary, in today’s notification driven world, where multitasking and hectic lifestyles are the norm, the concept of walking is almost synonymous with having your headphones or ear pods on while listening to music, checking pending emails, catching up on a podcast or even attending an office call. And all while you make a feverish dash to achieve your ‘daily step count goal’.
However, silent walking has been witnessing a resurgence recently thanks to a viral TikTok trend that has been highlighting its innumerable benefits. As a result, more and more people are embracing this concept and choosing to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature rather than in the confines of a gym or yoga studio.
Benefits Galore
At the outset silent walking is simply being able to disconnect from the noise and clutter all around you and unwind in the outdoors. This definitely helps one to become more aware of their internal and external environment and connect better with one’s surroundings. It is meditative in the sense it helps improve focus and concentration. Practicing it on a regular basis helps individuals become more mindful rather than being ‘mind-full’. Also, given all the focus today on mental health, more and more people are opting for traditional and age-old methods to heal themselves.
Further, there is little doubt that being amidst nature helps us to relax. Research studies have proved that sounds like the chirping of birds, murmuring of waves and even the rustle of leaves help alleviate anxiety and reduce stress. It has a calming effect which works wonders for body, soul and mind. And when you practice silent walking with no gadgets or gizmos, it automatically enables you to be more aware and mindful of these sounds of nature. You are more appreciative of the little things around you like the blooming flowers, colors of the sky or the beauty of the rising sun. Whether you choose to walk by the beach or in a park, there is no denying the positive effects.
Needless to mention, walking offers a host of benefits including improved cardiovascular health and improved blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It is known to be an effective way to reduce fat and improve overall fitness. Coupled with the digital detox that silent walking offers, it is sure to boost your physical and mental wellness. A perfect and holistic way indeed to take a break from the daily grind and the hustle and bustle of work life.
Ways to Practice Silent Walking Effectively
- Embracing silent walking initially can be a tad challenging considering that we are all juggling multiple roles and leading very hectic lifestyles. Hence, it is a good idea to start small and then build on it.
- Start going to a park close to your home and initially for a short period of time. Make sure to leave your phone and other gadgets behind so that you can focus completely on the walk. As time progresses, you can increase the duration of your walk gradually.
- On weekends or off days, you could explore bigger spaces like say a nature reserve or a beach. It could be a great idea to involve your family members on such days so that it becomes a good habit for the entire household and you can reap the benefits of silent walking together.
- Ensure you choose a time which is after you complete all your high priority tasks whether they are related to your home or office. This is key as the pressure of unfinished chores playing at the back of your mind could be detrimental.
- Try to follow a time when there are less people around; early mornings are always ideal.
- Focus on your breathing, be aware of the sights and sounds around you and live in the moment.
- If you do not have access to a park nearby, you can start walking on your terrace or in the common area of your apartment complex
- Make sure you are well hydrated and wear comfortable attire and footwear.
- Last but not the least, have a positive outlook and practice gratitude daily.
