Silent walking is a recent trend gaining popularity on social media. It blends walking with mindfulness techniques to enhance the results of your workout.
This trend encourages you to walk without the distractions of technology or sounds, such as conversations, music, podcasts, or noises from electronic devices that are often used during exercise.
What is Silent Walking?
In essence, silent walking involves walking in complete silence. This means no listening to music, no chatting with others, and no use of gadgets.
The method emphasizes natural sounds, your breathing, and the sensation of your footsteps. Similar to meditation, it involves directing your awareness to avoid distractions during the exercise.
Silent walking allows you to focus on your body and mind. You can tune into the rhythm of your steps, observe your body’s movements, and explore thoughts often overlooked in daily life.
Benefits of Silent Walking
While the benefits of silent walking largely mirror those of walking in general, this method offers additional advantages, including:
Reducing stress and anxiety
Silent walking provides a break from everyday stress, whether from work, social media, or negative news. Without the constant distractions of phones or other devices, both your body and mind can relax. It also allows you to embrace the peacefulness of your walk.
Improving mental health
Silent walking promotes better mental well-being. By walking in silence, you become more present in the moment, embracing the core principle of mindfulness.
Boosting creativity and reflective thinking
Without the interference of gadgets, you are often encouraged to enter deep, reflective thinking. Silence can help you uncover creative ideas or solutions that may otherwise be missed.
Improving physical health
Just like regular walking, silent walking benefits your physical health by enhancing heart function, strengthening muscles, and improving overall fitness.
Helping reduce reliance on technology
For many, gadgets have become inseparable from daily life. Constantly listening to music, checking notifications, and scrolling through social media keeps your mind tied to your devices, rather than focused on yourself.
Silent walking offers a chance to detox from technology and allows your mind to rest. It can also help reduce your dependency on gadgets.
How to Start Silent Walking
No special preparation is needed to begin silent walking. You can start anytime by following these simple steps:
- Choose a quiet route, such as a park or nature trail.
- Turn off your phone or set it to silent while walking.
- Focus on your steps, breathing, and the natural sounds around you.
- Walk at a comfortable pace, letting your thoughts flow freely without the pressure of daily stress or work.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
Julia Landwehr (2023). TikTok’s 'Silent Walking' Trend Could Actually Help Your Mental Health. Available from: https://www.health.com/silent-walking-trend-mental-health-7965822
Dilon Evans (2023). What Is Silent Walking—And Does It Actually Help Reduce Stress?. Available from: https://www.eatingwell.com/what-is-silent-walking-8383165
Victoria Stokes (2023). TikTok’s ‘Silent Walking’ Trend Is a Great Way to Burn Calories and Relieve Stress. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/tiktoks-silent-walking-trend-is-a-great-way-to-burn-calories-and-relieve-stress
Mayo Clinic (2024). Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20046261
Mayo Clinic (2022). Mindfulness exercises. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356
