A few days ago, Lisa McCarty, a passionate advocate for women’s health, made a remarkable decision. She chose to share the results of her journey with “over a billion individuals worldwide who suffer from migraines.” In an article published in the renowned American newspaper, Newsweek, she revealed her triumphant victory over years of debilitating headache pain. It took her three long years of enduring the silent struggle, but finally, she emerged victorious and liberated from the torment.
McCarty achieved success when she began searching for natural solutions to her problem, after practicing yoga a few days a week; Walking short distances for a few months while listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook all the time; In solving her problem.
Last summer, driven by her passion for walking, Markie Patel, a mental health and lifestyle writer, joined an online group to embark on a challenge: walking for 45 minutes each day. However, she quickly found herself feeling exhausted, torn between using this walking time to focus on her mental health, escape the pressures of work, and indulge in audiobooks and podcasts that flood her mind with ideas. The conflict between these desires left her feeling overwhelmed and drained.
Patel stumbled upon articles about women embarking on silent walks as a means of escape. Intrigued, she decided to remove her headphones and embrace the tranquility of silence while walking. After a week of this newfound practice, she reflected on the experience, describing it as both soothing and invigorating.
What is walking in silence?
Walking in silence is an endeavor to fully embrace your surroundings without any distractions, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. This practice is gaining popularity as a form of moving meditation, offering a respite from the constant influx of information from phone calls, emails, social media notifications, earphones, and music. By engaging in silent walks, you can alleviate stress and anxiety while cultivating a sense of relaxation, grounding, and heightened awareness. According to Denise Shakoian, a certified personal trainer, it presents an ideal opportunity to detach from the incessant stream of stimuli and reconnect with the present moment.
Benefits of walking in silence
- Very beneficial for mental health: A 2014 University of Michigan study indicated that this type of walking “is a better way to relax after the stress of the day, compared to sitting quietly with our eyes closed.” It also promotes feelings of well-being, provides better sleep, and helps us be more present and focused on the events around us.
- It lowers blood pressure: and heart rate, according to the Michigan study.
- Relieves pain: After experiencing a severe migraine attack, Lisa McCarty noticed a significant change while walking in silence. “As I walked, the pain began to fade away, the nausea subsided, and my sensitivity to light and sound diminished,” shared McCarty. She expressed, “The tranquility I experienced during my walk served as a balm for my stress, worries, and pain. It offered me a sanctuary from the cacophony within my mind, enabling me to mitigate and nearly eradicate migraines.”This chronic issue, which used to affect her monthly, is no longer a hindrance, and her life has undergone a positive transformation. Discover how walking in silence can provide relief from migraines and improve your well-being.
- It reduces stress: as Dr. Raafat Girgis, a licensed psychiatrist in California, told the American Fox News website: He considers walking in silence “a recipe to block out the noise of the world and a unique meditation that can achieve many benefits in less than 10 minutes”; Participants also learn “how to reduce stress in areas of concern, from work and family to financial stress, and even news of global developments.”
- Improves the mood: According to Girgis, walking in silence can greatly improve mood by combining physical movement and exposure to nature. This powerful combination stimulates the brain to naturally release endorphins, which effectively reduce stress and promote a state of calm thinking. As a result, it aids in clearing the mind and cultivating organized and positive thoughts. Additionally, research has shown that connecting with nature has numerous benefits, including reducing the stress hormone cortisol, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing overall well-being. This ultimately leads to a calmer mood and increased feelings of contentment. So, if you’re looking to boost your mood and find inner peace, consider incorporating quiet walks in nature into your routine.
- Promotes mental alertness: Engaging in silent walks can have numerous positive effects on mental well-being, as observed by Girgis. By embracing a noise-free environment, individuals can enhance their mental alertness and establish a stronger connection with their surroundings. This practice fosters mental clarity, reduces rumination and negative thoughts, and enables individuals to focus on the present moment. By cultivating mindfulness and minimizing excessive and repetitive thinking, which contribute to stress, silent walks can significantly benefit mental health and overall well-being. and anxiety, both the mind and body can benefit from silent walks.
How to apply Walking in Silence
Walking in silence has been associated with mindful meditation practices. According to the American HuffPost website, engaging in walking meditation allows for a calm and focused mind to become an integral part of daily life. Whether you’re strolling through the office, exploring your neighborhood after dinner, or simply aiming to enhance your physical fitness, walking meditation can bring about a multitude of benefits.
To correctly practice walking and reap the desired benefits, Patel advises, “Simply embark on a solitary stroll, select your path, and refrain from engaging in conversation or listening to external distractions.”
Researchers at the University of Michigan highlight the importance of conscious walking. This involves breathing deeply, meditating, and being aware of each step and breath. It can be practiced anywhere, whether in nature, at work, or in a parking lot. Start by walking slower than usual, focusing on the point where your feet step and the sensation of touching the ground. Find a comfortable pace and shift your attention to the world around you – the temperature, the wind, and the changing ground. When thoughts arise, accept and acknowledge them, then let them go without dwelling. You can also stop walking whenever you want.
Taking a morning walk without electronic devices, as suggested by British psychologist Meg Arroll, can have numerous benefits. By consciously observing the sights, smells, and physical sensations around us, we can quiet our minds and enhance the overall experience. Discover the power of mindful walks to improve well-being and mental clarity. Start your day with a refreshing and device-free stroll to boost mindfulness and connect with the present moment.
