I don’t know about you, but I sure am happy that spring has sprung.

The weather is getting warmer, the skies are brighter, and the days are getting longer. When the weather gets cold, I’m much more likely to curl up on the couch and neglect to get fresh air or move my body in a way that feels enjoyable. Warmer weather allows me the opportunity to partake in one of my favorite self care activities, a mindful walk outdoors.

Mindfulness walking combines three important de-stressing practices: physical movement, spending time in nature, and mindfulness. Walking is an activity that we often take for granted. It’s something we may do without much thought, like eating, breathing, or talking. What makes a mindfulness walk special is the extra attention we pay to the mundane and what is happening around us.

Mindfulness forces us to slow down, relax, and pause our anxiety.

Another important component of mindfulness is to take note of observations without passing judgment. This can be especially difficult because many of us have an ongoing internal dialog which is constantly distracting us from our ability to stay in the present moment. For example, try not to judge the weather, but instead observe the facts about your environment. What is the humidity like? How does the wind feel on your skin? How many clouds are in the sky? What would you guess the temperature is based on sensation?

When practicing mindfulness we want to focus on all of the information our five senses are getting from our physical environment.

For this reason, we don’t want to be listening to a podcast or a music playlist during our walk. Take the time to give yourself permission to unplug for a bit. If you have your airpods in, how will you count the different bird songs, hear the church bells, or listen to the sounds of your feet hitting the pavement? Remember to focus on your sense of touch, sight, taste, and smell as well.

Your walk can be as long or as short as you wish, but I recommend setting aside at least 15 minutes for this practice. Like any new activity I recommend trying this a few times before deciding whether you like it or not. Honestly, it can be uncomfortable to be alone with our five senses when we are so accustomed to distraction during our physical movement. Be kind to yourself when you try something new and take some time to notice all of the beautiful changes springtime has to offer.