Color Walks and Mindfulness

People often suggest going for a walk as a method of destressing and relaxing. If this is something that isn't appealing to you, consider going for a color walk instead.

A color walk encompasses the benefits of a typical walk with a mindful goal to give your brain a quest to attune to. The idea is simple. Pick a color, and as you walk, look for that color in the environment around you. Take photos if you'd like and make a digital collage, or just let yourself notice them. It's okay if your mind wanders every now and then. Let your thoughts run while remaining anchored to the present through the color you seek.

Here are some benefits of a color walk:

• Adjustable: You can change your color walk as needed, even simply spotting the color around your room or pulling up a video of a nature walk and spotting the color virtually.

• Grounding: The color walk gently brings you into the present by engaging your senses when you might otherwise be walking on "autopilot."

• Goal: When going for a walk feels a little pointless, having a color to look for provides a scavenger hunt-like task for your to engage with.

• Movement: Like a regular walk, you're still getting the benefits of bilateral stimulation and moving your body!

The next time you consider going for a walk, think about what color resonates with you and invite yourself to notice how it appears around you.