Meditation is the groundwork for the wellness of both mind and body. It is also a healthy choice for a healthy life. For most people it even provides a deep sense of connection to the soul.
There are countless health benefits of walking meditation as it improves the quality of sleep, boosts concentration, decreases stress.
Though, there is more to meditation than just sitting passively. Take walking meditation, for instance.
Walking meditation requires you to be physically active and consciously aware of the surroundings instead of traditional meditation, like closing eyes and sitting down.
Meditation and concentration are the way to a life of serenity.
~ Baba Ram Dass
Additionally, it has origins in Buddhism. Walking meditation is a simple yet comfortable, mindful practice that can easily be practiced, especially if you are a newbie or prefer active forms of meditation.
Types of Walking Meditation
- Traditional walking meditation
- Breathing-centric walking meditation
- Mindful observation
- Mantra meditation
Health Benefits of Walking Meditation
Moreover, walking meditation has numerous health benefits. It makes you feel more balanced, grounded, and even develops a unique sense of awareness regarding your surroundings and thoughts.
Below are the incredible health benefits of walking meditation that will hopefully inspire you to practice it regularly for a healthier life.
1. Increases Blood Flow and Sugar Levels
Walking meditation is frequently used by people that spent most of their time sitting.
Practicing meditation increases the blood flow in the body, especially towards legs. Also, it prevents the stagnation and feelings of laziness.
According to the National Library of Medicine, a small study demonstrated that Buddhist walking meditation showed significant positive effects in terms of blood flow and sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
2. Reduces Anxiety and Relieves Depression
It is necessary to exercise regularly as you age. It improves fitness levels and even enhances mood.
Walking meditation aids in reducing stress and anxiety. Also, it even helps in relieving depression.
Moreover, meditation is very useful in relieving stress and anxiety when combined with walking.
According to SAGE Journals, a study in young people demonstrated that people who meditated before walking or walked before meditating (walking session of 10 mints each) showed reduced anxiety and stress levels.
Furthermore, another study in older adults showed significantly decreased symptoms of depression in people who practiced meditation for a minimum of 3 times per week for approximately 12 weeks.
Due to walking, they also showed increased functional fitness levels.
3. Improves Digestion and Sleep Quality
Walking after consuming food is a healthy way to improve digestion.
As adequate movement aids in moving food through the digestive tract, thus preventing constipation.
Besides, a study from the University of Gothenburg, demonstrated that amplified physical activity effectively improves gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
According to the US National Library of Medicine, a study in Hong Kong teenagers showed that you could prevent constipation by moderate physical activity such as walking.
Moreover, it also aids in improving the body’s flexibility and even decreases muscle tension.
Nonetheless, to achieve maximum health benefits, an intense workout is not required.
According to the Sleep Foundation, 150 minutes of modest to energetic activity per week improves sleep quality by 65 percent.
4. Makes Exercise More Exciting
Including a mindfulness phase into your workout routine can make exercise more exciting.
According to the International Journal of Exercise Science, a small study demonstrates that people who listened to mindfulness audio while walking on a treadmill showed increased motivation and excitement and indulgently observed their physical sensations.
5. Improves Balance and Increases Creativity
As you begin practicing, it comprises the awareness of ankle and leg movements as you walk moderately.
According to the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, a study in older women shows that walking meditation is beneficial in encouraging better balance and ankle coordination and awareness.
Moreover, practicing mindfulness can provide enhanced clarity and allows you to focus more on your thought patterns.
Which, in turn, all contributes towards stimulating and boosting creativity.
Additionally, a meta-analysis on mindfulness and creativity shows a link associated with them.
However, there is not sufficient enough research yet on the aspects of creativity concerning mindfulness.
