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The Benefits of Walking in Silence, the Latest Mindfulness Trend

Silent Walking is a temporary refuge from the constant stimulation and emotional distractions of everyday life.

We hate being alone, especially when everything around us is silent. We do everything we can to fill the void — plug in our AirPods, play endless playlists, or turn on podcasts as if we need a soundtrack to fill the void in our lives. If it’s not music, it’s TV series, TikTok videos, voice messages, or constantly switching between content to keep our brains busy and multitasking. This isn’t FOMO, it’s the fear of facing ourselves. Sometimes, we don’t need to share, we just need an escape to distract ourselves, to avoid facing questions like: Am I happy? Does this job really bring me joy? And, do I have the courage to change my life? What would happen if we dared to face the silence, dared to turn off all devices and spend time with ourselves? The latest wellness trend, Silent Walking, is a way to open up a space where we can listen and understand ourselves more deeply, helping our minds become more peaceful and stronger.

What is Silent Walking?

As the name suggests, Silent Walking is walking without any sound other than footsteps, without music, without distractions. It is a mindful act that helps people connect with the present, listen to their emotions and senses.

Research by Gloria Mark, professor of computer science at the University of California and author of “The Attention Span,” shows that people focus on digital content for an average of 47 seconds before moving on to a new stimulus, creating a mechanism for constant stress and fatigue in both work and personal life. A YouGov survey found that 74% of the world’s population currently or has experienced severe burnout and stress. Taking a quiet walk, away from connected devices, allows us to return to ourselves, let our minds settle and our thoughts flow naturally.

From Buddhist meditation to TikTok trend

The concept of silent walking is not new. For centuries, Zen monks have used it as a form of meditation, helping to relieve stress, improve recovery, increase focus, and connect with oneself. Although it is an ancient practice and completely free, it has now gone viral after TikToker Mady Maio shared videos of her daily silent walking for 30 minutes, with no music or podcasts. With undeniable benefits for mental and physical health, Maio has inspired many others to try the experience.

How to practice walking in silence?

It can be challenging to completely disconnect and connect with just yourself. Take it slow, starting with a few minutes of quiet walking alone each day, and gradually building up to 30 minutes twice a week. Here are some tips to get the most out of this journey:

  • Choose a quiet space: Walk in a quiet area near your home, ideally in nature, at a time when there are few people around.
  • Turn off all electronics: Make sure your phone and other devices are turned off to avoid distractions.
  • Go alone: Do not go with anyone else, except your dog, if possible.
  • Take care of basic needs before you go: Make sure you are not thirsty, hungry or need to use the bathroom to avoid interruptions.
  • Focus on feelings and breathing: Pay attention to what you feel, your breathing, and your surroundings.

Walking in silence is not only a purification of the mind but also a journey of self-discovery, helping you return closer to yourself.

Benefits of walking in silence

Walking is already good for your health, but when combined with silence, the benefits are multiplied. Walking in silence not only promotes muscle, metabolism, joint, and cardiovascular health, but also improves sleep quality, reduces stress, and sparks creativity. It stimulates blood circulation, regulates blood pressure, prevents fat and cholesterol accumulation, and creates a feeling of euphoria thanks to endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine - chemicals that enhance mood and mental health. According to research from the University of Exeter, just 15 minutes of walking can reduce snack cravings and regulate feelings of fullness. Every step, no matter how short, counts.

Above all, walking in silence is a way for us to deeply connect with ourselves, creating valuable space for the mind to be quiet, reflect and process all emotions and events of the day more clearly and calmly.

Photo: Getty Images

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