5 Simple Tips for Stress-Busting Walks
It’s December 2021 in England. The last few days have been very confusing with conflicting advice around the Omicron strain of Covid. We should work from home, but it’s fine to go to parties. So much of what is happening in the world is outside our control. This is where stress begins.
So, what can we do about it?
Often, simple things are the best ways of dealing with stress. Going outside for a walk, even if only for 10 minutes, can help.
Making a favourite hot drink can be very comforting; fragrant tea, invigorating coffee or luxurious hot chocolate — the choice is yours.
Why not combine these two easy ways to combat stress? Start with a walk and have a delicious drink at the end. You could even take your toasty drink with you in a flask to extend your time outside.
Choose where you walk
Wherever you live, there will be busy places and probably some quieter ones too. Before you head out of the door, consider a route which is more likely to be tranquil. Even in densely populated urban areas, there are pockets of peace to be found.
Be gentle with yourself
Being realistic is very important. It’s much easier to find the motivation to go out for 10 minutes, than to push yourself to manage a two hour hike. Try being outside for 10–15 minutes at first and maybe stay out a little longer next time.
Take some water
Drinking water is very grounding. If you’re feeling anxious, try taking sips of water as you walk.
Try these 5 simple tips to get the most out of your stress-busting walk
Thinking about and using our senses has been proven to calm the chatter in our busy minds. Taking time for a walk and engaging your senses can have a profoundly beneficial effect on your wellbeing.
1. Name 5 things that you can see
Go for the obvious ones first. Maybe a lamp post, clouds or a building. Count them as you notice them. Then as you take a little more time, what can else you spot? A tumbling leaf, a tiny bird or a scrap of paper. Training your senses takes time, so be kind to yourself.
2. Name 4 things that you can touch
Touching can be with any part of your body, not just your hands and fingers. Maybe you can feel a cool breeze on your cheeks. Perhaps you can feel the hard pavement under your feet. Or the weight of your coat. Take all the time you need.
3. Name 3 things that you can hear
Often there are layers of sound. Yesterday when I was walking, I heard children shouting and scampering after their barking dog. Once they had moved on, I could hear a tiny stream babbling and chuckling quietly in the forest; I didn’t hear the stream at first because the children were louder, but it was there all the time.
Pause a moment and think about what hidden noises there might be where you are.
4. Name 2 things that you can smell
Finding a greener area to walk, like a park, will likely offer you more pleasant scents to identify. Maybe you can smell laundry detergent on your clothes, or a nearby bakery.
Any foliage will have some kind of smell. If you are able, try bending down close to the ground. Can you smell the earth, or grass? In colder weather, scents are dulled, but they are still there. We just need to work a little harder to find them.
5. Name 1 thing that you can taste
This might be the trickiest sense to capture when you’re out walking. If you have brought water or any drink/snack, now would be a great time to have it. If not, try thinking of your favourite flavours.
But if you are walking in a town or city, you could treat yourself to a delicious drink from your favourite coffee shop.
Using the five senses in everyday life gets much easier with practice.
Being more mindful and staying in the present will boost your mental health and sense of wellbeing.
All you need to do is simply make a start — why not have a go at a stress-busting walk today?
