Mindful Walk

If you're the sort of person who has trouble sitting still, you might find it more relaxing to take a "mindful walk" than to meditate. A mindful walk serves the same purpose as other relaxation techniques, centering you in the moment by helping you become more aware of your body and your surroundings.

To do a mindful walk, go outdoors and start walking at a slower-than-normal pace. Experience the sensations of walking one step at a time. As you walk focus on each of your senses individually. Smell the aroma of the grass and trees; notice the buildings you pass; listen to the birdsong and the sound of distant lawn mowers droning or snow crunching beneath your boots. Stay present in the moment. When other thoughts intrude, gently acknowledge them; then nudge yourself back to the present moment by refocusing on current sensations. After you finish your walk, carry that mindfulness with you for the rest of the day by noticing your body's reactions to new sounds, sights, smells, and textures.

Originally published in You & Your Baby: Pregnancy.

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