DE-STRESS WITH WALKING MEDITATION

‘Meditative or “paced” breathing is a technique long used by Afghan nomads, which was first identified by Frenchman Édouard Stiegler in Kabul in the 1960s. They reportedly walked more than 30 miles a day, yet always appeared radiant,’ says Streets. ‘They explained to him how they had developed the meditative breathing style to help them walk further. Paced breathing is where you inhale through your nose and exhale through your nose or mouth in time with your steps. For example, inhale for a count of three and, in that time, complete three walking paces; hold it for one pace and, as you do another, exhale. This helps to create a very mindful and rhythmic way of walking, and aligns mind, body and heart, allowing you to walk further and feel refreshed.

‘Embrace this on familiar routes. If you’re going on a walk where you haven’t been before, you don’t really want to be doing your paced breathing, because you want to be taking in the sights and sounds. If you’re walking a regular route – perhaps to work or school, and you’re very familiar with your surroundings – then it’s an ideal time to try it.’