Walking as Relaxation

As final exams are approaching at MHC, our mental health may be quivering in fear. Yes, it is absolutely natural to be stressed about stressful situations, but it still isn’t a great experience, and often, we can over-stress quite easily beyond the actual load. There are generic tips to balance your mental health, such as sticking to a schedule, eating healthily, and sleeping sufficiently. Although these are all well-intended tips, they are hard to follow through on, especially since our minds are easily distracted or too stubbornly concerned about exams. 

Personally, I found taking breaks to be a great way to reinvigorate my will and motivation. However, not all breaks were fitting. Watching one episode of a Netflix show led to hours, and taking a short nap turned into a hibernation. After many trials, I found walking to be the best way to take a break. Any kind of athletic workout can be a great way to relieve stress and wake up your consciousness. But for people like me, who get more stressed with hardcore regiments and enjoy casual activities, walking may be the best fit! Now, here are some tips and tricks I learned from taking relaxing walks.

Manage time with music 

Most people measure their walking regime with heart rates, timers, or distance trackers. Personally, I find those to be tedious and disruptive. Instead, I walk along with a playlist. I have two playlists: one for walking towards a destination and another for heading back. It is an easy way to schedule the amount of time. Plus, it incorporates your creative tastes with your physical activity.

Explore new areas

Walking around the same route can get quite boring. Venture into different areas and become acquainted with your neighborhood. I actually found a new route near my home, and it has now become my favorite destination. But of course, remember your way back and stay safe! Always bring your phone charged!

Walk with a companion

If you have a friend or family member (including pets) who likes to take walks, take them with you! It is a great way to bond while also enjoying a relaxing time together. You will have days when you want to walk in solitude, or with another. Do as you please and maybe even try walking with different folks. 

Take pauses

Throughout your walks, you will have moments when you just want to stand still or sit down. If there’s a bench nearby, do so! You do not have to walk fast or push yourself to the point of exhaustion—you are not being graded on your performance. Take a pause and once you feel like walking again, you can continue on your way. During your recess, appreciate the view and enjoy your music or company. 

Thinking isn’t necessary

Multi-tasking while walking is very difficult, and that includes thinking whilst walking. Although thinking about mediocre things like what I will eat for lunch is easy, deeper thinking will require greater focus and energy. Sometimes, these introspections can lead to a satisfactory output, but they can be very tiresome. If you are taking this walk to enjoy a break, let yourself be free of your thoughts, especially the inquisitive ones, and just walk. Your thoughts do not have to be productive. 

Although walking is an underrated activity, it has been found to have immense benefits in our physical and mental health. There are a myriad of articles and research papers that prove the benefits of walking. Rather than walking from the bedroom to the living room, I encourage you to go out and take walks in nature—adhering to all COVID-19 regulations, of course.

And most of all, I wish you the best of luck on your exams! The amount of stress and workload is daunting right now, but know that they will all be done and gone soon, and you will have moved on. You got this! 

If you would like to write for Her Campus Mount Holyoke, or if you have any questions or comments for us, please email hc.mtholyoke@hercampus.com.     

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• walking