2022-01-14 / Endel
How to move more mindfully
Walking, running, hiking, riding a bike – all of these things can become a mindfulness practice. Whatever your activity is, by shifting your focus towards a mindful approach, you can add enjoyment, mental clarity, and even improve performance.
More often than not, when we’re moving, it’s because we have somewhere to be. We might be on our way to meet someone, doing our daily commute, or running an errand. And usually, this destination is at the front of our mind. Mindful movement or walking is the practice of becoming aware of your surroundings and how your body and mind feel while moving. Take time to dedicate movement to yourself, not just your destination!
One of the main benefits of moving mindfully is that it’s effective at reducing stress. This is because physical activity is already known to steady your heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduces stress-inducing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Adding a mindfulness aspect to this makes your movement a doubly-effective stress reducer. 5 steps to move more mindfully
5 steps to move more mindfully
- 1
Before embarking on your walk or run, stand still for a few moments and focus on your breathing. Check how is your body feeling.
- 2
As you start to move, bring your full attention to the sensations in your body, noticing the feelings in your feet, legs, arms, chest, and head.
- 3
Once you have connected with the sensations in your body, begin to bring your attention to your surroundings.
- 4
If you find yourself distracted by other thoughts, simply return to the focus on the movements of your body or breathing.
- 5
At the end of your activity, make a mental note of how you feel. Do you feel calmer, energized, or more focused?
As with any practice, it can take a while to get into the habit. All of these steps can be made easier with the right soundtrack. Thankfully, we created just the thing! No need to dig through the playlist and find something to play. Endel’s Move and Clarity Trip soundscapes generate supportive sounds that adapt to your step cadence, creating the perfect sound environment for your activity.