Sometimes, pleasure must be sought in simple things… and they turn out to be the most effective! When life is getting you down, one of the best ways to deal with it is to take a walk! Walking has been proves to be one of the best methods of stress release. Along with the daily burning of calories, focused walking helps boost creativity, increases emotional awareness, augments personal problem solving abilities and helps forge better connections with friends and family.
Walk to Release
The best part of walking alone is the creation of distance between oneself and the cause of one's problems. It serves to create an opportunity for greater objectivity, and therefore, better focus. Experts say it is mind. Think about your problem, and try to chronicle how the experience has affected you. Register your reaction to it. Have you learnt anything from it? If your thought processes lead to any change in reaction, record them when you come back.
Walks are also great for getting through creative blocks. The blood rushes to your head during physical activity, making it the ideal time to get cracking on ideas for those speeches, presentations and stories. When your mind is clear and relaxed, get started on your work.
Walk to Zen
Walking is also a great form of meditation. Some people find it easier to concentrate when they are moving as opposed to sitting down. Block out the noise outside and lose yourself in the rhythm of your movements. “Breath-walking” is based on yoga breathing techniques. Walk at your natural pace and match your breathing to your steps. After a while, take long breaths and walk three or four steps with each breath. Thus periodically change your walking and breathing synchronicity to achieve greater concentration.
Another method of walking meditation is to start with focusing on your feet as they move. Slowly, shift your attention upwards, building up an awareness of how your body feels in motion. As you centre on a part of the body, concentrate on relaxing it. When you finally reach your head, think about your feelings. You will be able to address them with a sense of calm and clarity.
Walk to Talk
Walking can also be a way to strengthen family and friendship ties. Since the mind and the body are both relaxed while walking, it makes it an easier time to communicate. Walking with your better half yields better handling of household tensions. Walking with your children, your friends and, in fact, any other member of your social support system makes it easier for them to talk and presents a better opportunity for you to have them listen. It is also a great time to make plans without distractions. The change in location helps keep the focus on each other, instead of everyday problems.
So put on your running shoes and march out of the door! Because no matter how big the problem is, or how great the workload, life just seems so much better after a long walk.
