You probably already know how important it is to practice mindfulness. But that’s much easier said than done. Especially if you’re new to it. Living in such a busy world sometimes takes the best of us, and our mind becomes this hectic and overcrowded place. In those moments it’s important to slow ourselves down, clear out our thoughts, and just focus on the current moment. And the easiest way to do that is by taking a walk. So if you want to learn how to take a walk while practicing mindfulness, keep on reading.
Walks as a form of meditation
I’ve always seen walks as a form of meditation. But I don’t mean a fast walk through the city. I mean those slow walks you take by yourself in nature. When you don’t have to hurry anywhere, and you can just move at a slow pace and admire your surroundings. I also call them my mental health walks. Ideally, I would leave my phone at home (only if I’m 100% that the place is safe and it’s daytime) and just walk for at least 30 minutes. It’s a great way to unwind after working from home, or even during your lunch break. The goal is to get outside your own head and shift your attention to the things around you.
Mindful walks
Mindfulness is basically just a way of living in the current moment. It’s about being focused on your surroundings, instead of letting your stress and anxiety fog out your thoughts. Practicing mindfulness is important to lower our stress levels. It helps us stay grounded, and focus on the things that are truly important. Mindful walks combine the mental health walks that I have mentioned above, with practicing mindfulness.
Once you have the technique of mindful walking down, you’ll be able to do it anywhere. From a mountain top to a bustling street. It’s not really about where you are, but more about how you do it. However, for beginners, it will be a lot easier to do it at a more quiet place, like a country lane or hiking trail. The main goal is always the same – getting out of our autopilot state of mind.
How to take a walk while practicing mindfulness
To practice mindful walking you won’t need any equipment or tools. All you need is somewhere to walk. Change into your most comfortable shoes, fill up a water bottle, and get going. As you walk, start paying attention to the way your body feels. Pay attention to your legs moving, your muscles contracting, your chest moving up and down while you breathe, and your arms swinging as you walk. This will help you move your thoughts from anything that may be bothering you at that moment.
Now, it’s time to shift your focus on your surroundings. Take a deep breath through your nose. What do you smell? Maybe some fresh-cut grass, crisp spring air, or the blossoming trees. How do these smells make you feel? Enjoy the smells, sights, and sounds that you come across during your walk.
Remember, it’s all about enjoying the current moment and seeing the world from a different perspective. Seek out things that will make you happy during that walk. Take a break at the rose bush to smell flowers. If you’re walking through your city, make a stop at your favorite coffee shop and get that latte. Pet any dogs that may come your way. The main goal of this walk is to make you feel good. Mindful walks aren’t only good for your mental health, but they also help your body recover from the stress of everyday life.
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