Walking is a very useful way to recover your peace and balanced mind and body after being upset or stressed. It is for kids, teens and adults.

The body, mind, emotions are tied together with the breath. Even and regulated breathing calms the body and mind when upset. Walking along with regulated breathing is especially useful in bringing the mind back to center: you are combining physical and the breath in a harmonious rhythmic pattern.

Kids with learning disabilities that have trouble concentrating can walk hand in hand with a calmer person to keep on the path.

To begin:

Pick a pathway you are used to and are sure is safe from predators, others riding bikes, motor scooters or cars. An enclosed area like the inside perimeter of a playground could be a good choice. Another idea may be the school track when teams are not working out.

As you step out begin a regular rhythmic pattern of breathing, such as one count for every two steps. Let your arms swing at your side back and front in opposition to your legs. For example: as your right foot steps forward, swing your left arm forward, and as your left foot steps forward swing your right arm forward.

So now you have your breathing and physical exercise all set. It's time to add thoughts that calm and bring harmony back into your life so that when your walk is over you feel positive about the issues you face at home, school or work.

When you set out think about a positive event that you've been through, such as a holiday celebration. Try to relive that experience on your walk. The benefits of remembering are it takes you back to a happy state of mind; you are recreating it for the present. Just to remember and recreate those thoughts while walking clears away the stress and negativity you may be feeling.

Recreating a positive event shows that you can get through difficulties and stress. Let the rhythm and regular breathing of walking help you with your problem solving while you enjoy the fresh energy brought up through walking. In closing, remember that a good walk of five minutes or more goes a long way to dissolving stress.

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Recommended:
Yoga for all Kids - With illustrations and descriptions, how to teach 4 styles of meditation and 15 gentle moving yoga poses that can be used as a basic motor skills lesson plan, plus 12 how to live chapters and a dictionary of 40 definitions of happiness in 83 pages. For kids of all ages and abilities - for teens and adults, too! Available as an Ebook or Print Book


Article by Susan Kramer