Silent walking puts physical exercise at the fore. This practice that is rooted in old traditions is a wonderful way to beat stress and improve focus.
Experts recommend walking post-meals for blood sugar regulation. (Wikimedia)
It is a rather common sight to see people on their morning walks either alone with their headphones on and listening to their favourite podcast/music, or with a walking buddy giving them company, or even talking on their phone.
However, a new trend called “Silent Walking” has gone viral on social media, encouraging individuals to embrace those morning walks devoid of gadgets and diversions. Netizens claim that this movement promotes walking as an activity that doesn’t require devices or companionship to break the silence.
TikTok influencer Mady Maio. (Screenshot)
The trend witnessed a surge in recognition after TikTok influencer Mady Maio shared that her nutritionist recommended walking for half an hour every day as an alternative to intense cardio exercises.
To enhance the experience, her partner proposed she do it without any distractions.
In one of her videos, Maio shared that she was urged to walk with “no earbuds, no podcasts, no tunes”. Following this, silent walking evolved into a viral trend, with numerous individuals expressing how it offers them solitary reflection time, helping them achieve tranquility and clarity of thought.
Zen Buddhist monks engage in a form of silent walking called “Kinhin”, which is walking meditation. (Wikimedia Commons)
According to Poornima Shastry, a counsellor by profession, “Silent walking is a mindful practice where individuals walk quietly, focusing on the act of walking itself, the sensations they experience, and their surroundings, without the aid of external distractions like music, podcasts, or conversations. The aim is to be fully present in the moment and to cultivate a deeper awareness and connection with the environment.”
She tells South First that this practice has its roots in many spiritual and meditative traditions. For instance, Zen Buddhist monks engage in a form of silent walking called “Kinhin”, which is walking meditation.
During Kinhin, practitioners walk slowly and deliberately, coordinating each step with their breathing and paying close attention to the sensation of each step. It is a way to disconnect from the constant noise and stimulation of modern life, she adds.
While the health advantages of walking are widely acknowledged, advocates claim that silent walking offers specific benefits for one’s mental and emotional state. Also, coaches of renowned running groups vouch for silent walking or silent running, and say that it’s even a rule as part of their running programmes.
Speaking to South First, Founder of Jayanagar Jaguars, a renowned running group in Bengaluru and author of Master Your Run, Coach Pramod says, “Many consider listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks during exercise, especially walking or running, to be an interesting option. However, it’s best to avoid it for three important reasons.”
Silent Walking has many benefits. (Wikimedia Commons)
Reasoning them out, he says that multitasking with an audio distracts our brains from focusing on the exercise. To achieve better results, we should stay mindful of our movements, concentrating on refining and perfecting each exercise.
Meanwhile, physiologically, our ears help maintain balance by monitoring our head’s position relative to gravity and motion. Using earphones can interfere with this monitoring and potentially lead to misjudgments during physical activities.
“Our ears are crucial for decision-making, as our brains process information from all our senses. Blocking one of these senses can increase the risk of misjudging situations, potentially leading to accidents, such as not hearing a dog approaching or not noticing potential threats too late,” Pramod adds.
Expressing a similar view, Darshan Jain, Chief Running Officer of Oduba, a coaching academy that trains for long-distance running, tells South First, “Walking and running at your own pace are more significant and you can find many solutions to the challenges you might face on a daily basis when you run alone and in silence. It’s like having your own ‘me time’ when you run sans headphones.”
Darshan, fondly called DJ in the running circle, stresses that it has become a norm now to run or walk on the main roads. With this, it means that one needs to remain vigilant and always aware of the fact that they are on a main road with vehicles coming both ways.
While walking on main roads, it is crucial to be vigilant of vehicles. (Wikimedia Commons)
“It is important that while running/walking on the road, we should be able to hear the movement of vehicles. So, it is crucial that we avoid using earbuds, earphone, headphones, or AirPods that block our ears,” he recommends.
Regarding walking with a companion, DJ says, “It is beneficial to come along with a companion to a common spot; that can be a motivating factor for many. However, it’s crucial that you walk/run at your own pace when you first begin to run or walk.”
Meanwhile Poornima adds that, “Our daily existence is enveloped by a relentless hum of noise, often surrounded by people or gadgets. Treating walking or running as an escape from this incessant chatter can not only pave the way for fresh insights, but also aid in mental decluttering.”
She adds that silent walking offers a unique opportunity to detach from life’s hustle and bustle and, yet, find a personal way to reconnect with oneself and deepen one’s appreciation and connection with nature.
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