The fact it has taken a viral TikTok trend to encourage people to embrace silent walking – the act of going for a stroll in the great outdoors void of headphones or any other distractions – says a lot about the quirks of modern life. But it turns out that to reap the full benefits of your commune with nature, leaving Taylor Swift and The Rest Is Football at home could be the way forward.
If Tiktok is to be believed, benefits include alleviating stress and replenishing your focus and attention span, alongside the standard effect of burning a few calories. But is that really true? And is there any more to it?
Alexander Spatari
What is silent walking?
There’s a reason silent walking is linked to the practice of walking meditation. In a world that becomes busier, faster-paced and generally louder with each passing day, taking time to cut the noise has become a deliberate act. “Sometimes our brains can get so busy that a trend like ‘silent walking’ is exactly what we need,” says Penny Weston, founder of wellness platform MADE. “Essentially, the new trend is a mindfulness exercise, as we are focusing on the present moment and tuning into our senses. Time in silence can help us to think more clearly, and calm our mind when it is racing with thoughts.”
Silent walking is focused on immersion, both within yourself and your environment. While there’s certainly room in life for a morning walk with a bit of Melvyn Bragg’s In Our Time, taking a moment away from external influences to hone in on the world around you is about as mindful as you can get. “Silent walking strips away the noise and distractions of our frenetic modern lives, instead encouraging you to move mindfully and sync your breath with the cadence of your steps,” says Michelle Justice, yoga instructor and founder of Nature Sound Retreat. “You’re able to fully immerse yourself in the journey itself – observing the shifting light patterns dappling the path ahead, feeling the varied textures underfoot, noticing the subtle fragrances carried on the breeze.” Poetry in motion.
The physical benefits of silent walking
Almost any physical activity is good for you and walking is no different. While you might not burn the same number of calories going for a stroll as indulging in some intense plyometrics, getting on your feet has a proven track record of helping with weight loss, cardiovascular health and a raft of other physical issues. There’s also research indicating that spending time somewhere a little greener can have a positive effect on your lung health.
Walking is significantly gentler on your joints than running, with a much lower risk of developing arthritis and other impact-led complications, and can provide similar benefits – as long as you put the time in. “Walking has wonderful benefits for the mind and body,” says Weston. “Whilst walking might not be the most strenuous form of exercise, it is certainly an effective way to get in shape and burn fat and strengthen the muscles in your legs to make them look more toned.”