Mindfulness Walking

You can combat multitasking and lower your stress level by taking a mindfulness walk for 10 minutes every day. These are words of wisdom from Dr. Deepak Chopra, who claims that “multitasking can increase stress and make your brain deteriorate.” Since mindfulness is being in the present moment and appreciating what’s happening around you right now, a perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness is a walk outside in which you awaken your senses to what is around you. While exercising, you can notice the air, colors, leaves of the trees, the grass, birds, cars, and all the sounds of your environment. To get started on a ritual of mindfulness walking, resolve to walk for just 10 minutes each day. In doing so, you want to dress appropriately, do not use headphones or chat with anyone who joins you. It is all about being quiet. Allow your mind to go where it wants; let it wander while observing your environment. Observe people, the birds, or nothing at all. Be joyful. This time is for you and your self-care.

Benefits of mindfulness walking are a settled mind and seeing things more clearly. Feel peaceful. Enjoy a sense of well-being as you notice and appreciate nature. You will find yourself slowing your heart rate, lowering your blood pressure, reducing tension, boosting energy, and improving your mood as you naturally take deeper breaths. You may find yourself thinking outside the box and experiencing self-discovery and/or self-care, leading toward wholeness and healing. Experiencing everything around yourself can lead to a feeling of gratitude. As Cicero stated: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” For more information, go to www.nextavenue.com