More than just a way to keep your body fit and active, mindful walking and paying close attention to your daily stroll can have powerful effects on your overall wellbeing and mental health.
Mindful walking is much like meditation in motion. It brings awareness to your walk, allowing you to become aware of your senses, your surroundings, and to enable you to pay close attention to how you’re feeling in the present moment.
For so many of us, we spend many hours a day sitting at desks, staring at computer screens and then heading for an indoor gym and finally spending the evening in front of the telly. But getting outdoors, taking a walk, and being in nature can have a powerful effect on not only our physiological health but our mental health too. Why not swap that post-work gym session for a mindful stroll, or take some time on your lunch break to go for a walk, a little mindful movement can really do wonders for your overall wellbeing.
Plus, adding in a delicious cup of tea to your mindful walk only enhances the experience! Choose your brew,grab your KeepCup and sip and stroll your way to good health. Combine the feelings of sipping and savouring your tea with becoming more aware of what you can see, hear, smell, touch, and taste.
Walk your way to wellness in a few simple steps. Whether you’re looking to get some extra steps in throughout the day or you want to give your mood a boost. To get the benefits of a mindful walk you’ll just need a comfortable pair of shoes and an open mind!
• As you start walking, take a moment to scan your body, how do you feel?
• Notice how your foot feels as it touches the ground - pay close attention to the movement of your feet
• What can you see?
• Listen to your breathing - tune into your breathing and notice how you inhale and exhale
• What can you smell?
• If your mind wanders, acknowledge it and then gently bring your attention back to your walking
• What can you touch? What can you hear?
• As your walk comes to an end, scan your body again, paying attention to how you’re feeling after your walk
It’s no secret that walking is good for your health but there are so many brilliant benefits to taking a mindful walk out in nature. Walking has been known to (amongst other things)
• Boost your mood
• Increase your energy
So, next time you fancy a walk or you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, put on your walking shoes and get out - and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!
A gentle, calming, and soothing playlist to accompany your Mindful Walking and other daily mindful moments.
