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Imagine you are out walking in a clean, green park to meet your goal of walking 10,000 steps a day. But slowly and steadily, you start to fix your eyes on seeing objects of a certain color along the way. This is a color walk for you – A simple, creative activity where you choose a color before heading out and then walk around observing it around you.It started as a creative gathering at Old Spitalfields Market in London a few months ago. People were walking together wearing vibrant costumes and it went viral online. By intentionally training your mind to observe colors, you stimulate your senses, slow down anxious thoughts, and reconnect with the present moment. As it happens, the color walk proves therapeutic.
Benefits of color walk
According to Dr Santosh Bangar, senior consultant psychiatrist at Gleneagles Hospital, this low-impact exercise can be an effective way to boost mental and emotional well-being.
1. Reduces stress and improves mood
Color walks encourage mindful awareness, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the brain that soothes stress. A 2013 study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that mindful walking can significantly reduce stress levels and improve quality of life. Dr. Bangar says that walking increases chemicals called endorphins and serotonin, which naturally improve the mood.
2. Improves attention and memory
Colors naturally draw attention. A 2013 study in The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences showed that vibrant colors help the brain retain information better. Focusing on specific colors while walking can sharpen your concentration and subtly train your brain to pay attention to more details in daily life.
3. Promotes relaxation
Exposure to colors, especially green and blue, has a calming effect on the mind. A 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that people who walked surrounded by greenery had lower heart rates and improved relaxation. For many people, the colorful walk becomes a gentle, moving meditation.
4. Good for physical health
While the focus is on colors, there’s still movement at the end of the day. Even slow walking can help with heart health, improve blood circulation and help with overall mobility. With consistency, it’s a simple way to stay active without hard effort.
5. Enhances creativity
Observing colors, textures, contrasts, and patterns in your environment can awaken creative thinking. Whether you’re a student, designer, writer, or just feeling mentally tired, a color walk can help open up new ideas and new perspectives.
How to practice color walk?
Start by choosing a color or allowing the colors to guide you naturally. Walk at a leisurely pace and carefully observe everything from doors and signs to leaves and clothing. Dr. Bangar tells Health Shots to avoid digital distractions, as screens can break your focus and reduce sensory awareness. Engage multiple senses by paying attention to the textures, sounds, and smells around you. Finally, pause to consider how the colors made you feel and what emotions or memories they evoked.
Who should avoid color walk?
While color walks are generally safe, some may require caution. People with visual impairments may have difficulty following colors effectively. People with epilepsy should avoid exposure to bright or contrasting colors, which can trigger seizures. Individuals experiencing psychosis, schizophrenia, or severe bipolar episodes may also find color stimulation overwhelming or triggering.
When practicing this, if the experience feels overwhelming, slow down, soften your vision, or simply choose a cool color.
(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you have about any medical condition.)
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