Silent Walking

Practicing the art of silent walking in an otherwise noisy world can help to reduce stress and improve our health and wellbeing. Silent walking is a perfect way to connect with nature whilst exercising. Free from distractions like our phones it gives us the perfect opportunity to switch off from all the noise that fills most of our lives.

Taking part in outdoor activities can lead to less anxiety, reduced cortisol levels, improved mental health, improved physical health and better sleep habits. Walking helps to reset our thoughts, combine this with silence and mindfulness practice becomes easier, listening to the sounds of nature and taking note of the present really helps us to feel connected to the natural world.

Walking close to trees also has huge health benefits, in Japan there is a name for it, Shinrinyoku, otherwise known as Forest Bathing. Trees naturally give off essential oils, Phytoncides, antibacterial and anti fungal chemicals that help trees fight disease. When we breathe in these Phytoncides our bodies respond by increasing our natural killer cells NK, these cells help to kill off tumour and virus infected cells. Trees known to produce especially high levels of Phytoncides include Pine, Conifers and Oak trees.