Social media has been witnessing another trend called ‘Silent Walking’ after Mady Mio, a TikTok influencer and podcast host claimed that putting her phone aside on walks has been ‘life-changing.’ While this may seem revolutionary for a generation that was born into the digital age, for people who came before that, it’s nothing new. However, as people of all generations are equally dependent on technology nowadays, here’s a quick reminder about the benefits of disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature and your inner voice.
Benefits Of Silent Walking
Listening to music and podcasts while walking has reported positive effects. For example, in a study published in MDPI’s Journal of Functional Biology and Kinesiology, it was established that listening to music can help you distract yourself from feeling tired or exhausted. Ultimately, it has the potential to improve your performance while working out.
But the key word here is ‘distract.’ Distracting yourself from your mind’s and body’s signals is a form of escapism, which can lead to an emotional and physical pile-up. Leaving your phones at home while going on a walk can actually be good for your mental health, especially stress. Connecting with yourself and nature can be meditative and mindful, which has research-backed benefits for stress.
Also Read: Healthy Ways To Combat Stress: Here's Your Recreational Activities Can Help You
Silent Walking Can Help You Reduce Stress
A research published in the ‘Frontiers in Psychology,’ stated mindfulness helps to lower stress and enhances engagement in work. Another study conducted by researchers from the Netherlands found that mindful walks affected people's emotions positively:
- Silent walking made people feel happier and more mindful compared to regular times. They also felt less sad or negative.
- Happiness and mindfulness were found to be strongly connected- when people were happier, they also felt more mindful.
- On the flip side, feeling negative emotions was linked to feeling less mindful, as being mindful in one moment predicted having fewer negative thoughts in the next moment.
Additionally, listening to music can arouse euphoria and craving, as it boosts dopamine release which leaves the brain wanting more and more of it, stated a paper published in ‘Nature Neuroscience.’
In conclusion, keeping aside your phone to connect with nature and your mind, or ‘silent walking,’ as Gen Z is calling it, can be great for your body and mind. Stress is a silent killer that not only affects your mind but is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and neurological diseases. However, addressing all their thoughts and feelings might not be the ideal choice for everyone. Sometimes distractions like podcasts, music, and audiobooks might help people leave their slump and break out of their lethargic habits. So give silent walking a try, and if it is not for you, then there is no harm in relying on technological distractions. Just aim for content that is soothing and not stimulating.
