Silent walking vs. walking with earpods in: Which one is effective for mind?

A new TikTok trend called ‘Silent Walking’ is gaining popularity as users share their experiences of walking without digital distractions like music, podcasts, or phone calls. The trend, which went viral last year after TikTok creator Mady Maio shared her experience, is being recognized as a mental health practice that helps reduce anxiety and bring calm and clarity by encouraging people to embrace silence during their walks.
Silent walking involves going for a walk without any digital distractions, focusing solely on one's thoughts and surroundings. The practice has gained significant attention on social media platforms, with many users documenting their experiences.
The trend emerged when Maio followed her nutritionist's advice to take daily 30-minute walks instead of intense cardio workouts. Her boyfriend suggested trying these walks without any distractions, leading to the viral movement.

In today's day and age, the most major distraction is our phone, so keeping that and any sort of distraction away and simply going for a walk alone is what is known as silent walking. It's super healthy for our mental health as it includes a great amount of mindful self-reflection beyond the virtual and distraction-filled world. It's a great form of physical and mindful activity.
Incorporating mindfulness, silent walking encourages us to focus on the present moment, offering a break from constant distractions. It acts as a form of digital detox, helping us disconnect from technology. Inspired by the ancient practice of Zen Buddhism, it's also known as walking meditation.
Fitness icon Milind Soman has been a long-time advocate of distraction-free walking and running, often practicing barefoot. Silent walking promotes awareness, making people more conscious of their surroundings and bodies, leading to better emotional equilibrium and inner serenity.

The practice offers numerous mental health benefits, including encouraging mindfulness, promoting self-reflection, and breaking the cycle of constant stimulation. Silent walking has been shown to boost mood through the release of endorphins combined with the calming effect of silence, improve sleep quality, and enhance cardiovascular health. The practice also strengthens the bond with the natural world by improving sensory awareness of sights, sounds, and smells in the environment.
For those interested in trying silent walking, experts recommend starting small with 10-minute walks around familiar neighborhoods and gradually increasing the duration. While taking phones along is acceptable, they should be kept on silent mode, and users should resist checking them during the walk.
Although silent walking has gained recent popularity through social media, it's not a new concept. The practice of taking walks without distractions has been a traditional activity for generations. The trend represents a return to simpler, more mindful practices in an increasingly digital world, offering a practical way to combine physical activity with mental wellness.