Destressing in nature: Part 2
In part two, I’d like to take you through my mini routine…
As you walk, start by focussing on how it feels as your feet hit the ground – what part of your foot lands first and how do your toes, soles and heels feel? How do your feet feel in the shoes you’re wearing – (even better go barefoot – even better for feeling grounded – for those of you who want to learn more, click here: 10 Benefits of Going Barefoot (bettermindbodysoul.com)). How does the impact of walking travel up through your ankles, calves and thighs? Do the muscles feel tight or relaxed? How about your hips – how are they moving and feeling? And note how they’re connected to your pelvis and your abdomen.
Next you might want to notice what your arms are doing. Are they naturally swinging as you’re walking? How are you holding your hands, how are they feeling, warm, cool? What about your head and neck? Your back and spine and stomach and chest. Is there tightness there? If so, just notice it and maybe breath into that area if it feels ok to do so with the deeper breathing mentioned in part 1.
Then start to really notice your surroundings: the different colours of the trees and plants, how the trees move in the breeze, what can you smell? What does the temperature feel like on any exposed skin, your face? Your hands?
Tap into how you’re feeling – can you name the emotion you’re feeling? Where are you feeling it in the body? Focusing on identifying the feelings in our bodies helps with anxiety – many of us try to go into our mind and try to outthink anxiety, and concentrating on the body can help us get out of our heads for a while.
What sounds are you hearing? What is grabbing your attention most and then zoom in on what else can you hear, behind the most obvious things into the background noises that are there.
Alison Middleton
Mind Body Transformation Coach
AM 1 Health