Regularly engaging in walking aids in managing challenging mental health periods, as personally experienced.
Struggling with anxiety can feel like a never-ending roller coaster, one moment you're sailing smooth, the next you're plunging downhill without warning. I've been riding this beast for over a decade, dealing with generalized anxiety and panic attacks. But don't worry, I've got my tools – medication, mindfulness, therapy – to keep the beasts at bay most of the time.
Yet, every now and then, the beasts manage to break free, much like last week, after a long run of peace. The symptoms are physical, a throbbing pain, an upset stomach, and a racing heart, along with the usual thoughts that spin out of control.
Life doesn't pause just because I'm stressed, and my dog still needs his walkies. Getting out and about is essential to prevent my world from shrinking, so I embrace dog walks as a way to squeeze some exercise into my day, have a bond with my furry pal, and face the world head-on.
However, in my anxious state, I needed a distraction, something to focus on other than my thoughts and the overwhelming feeling of dread. That's when I discovered color walking.
What is color walking?
Color walking is as simple as it sounds – you pick a color and search for objects in various shades of that color while out for a walk. Here's TikTok creator Jaz Hand demonstrating a color walk where she's on the hunt for yellow.
You can take it to the next level by snapping photos of the spots you find or simply make a mental note and take a moment to appreciate the find. The trend encourages reflection on the color, noticing the shade, and considering how it fits into the environment, interacting with light and texture.
How color walking helped me
I sought a practice similar to walking yoga, but with a gentler focus on the body due to the physical pain I was experiencing. When I spotted some of my colleagues trying color walking, I decided to give it a go. Lacing up my shoes, leashing my dog, and embarking on a quest for yellow, I found it was just what the doctor ordered.
It gave me something to focus on
Anxiety can ignite panic attacks in a quiet, dark room where there are no external stimuli – a consequence of unfettered thoughts spiraling out of control. The trigger isn't always obvious, and their unpredictability can make managing anxiety challenging.
Color walking proved beneficial because it pulled my focus away from my thoughts, constantly searching for more yellow. I found it in the most unexpected places, like the yellow centers of blue flowers, the tail of a green woodpecker, and even some graffiti on a bin. I was so engrossed in my quest that I could set aside my anxiety.
It cheered me up
Yellow has been my favorite color since I was a kid. It brings back memories of sunflowers, bumblebees, and lemons, all of which have a magical way of brightening my mood. It's also the first color of spring in my neighborhood, popping up in daffodils and buttercups, a symbol of longer days and sunshine awaiting.
Spotting patches of yellow brought a smile to my face, helping me to feel happier despite the anxiety.
It helped me manage my anxiety
Anxiety management takes many forms, and I appreciate holistic techniques like mindfulness and meditation. However, I need medication, too. Popping a powerful benzodiazepine pill every time I leave the house isn't practical or healthy, as they're a dependence-building drug I try to avoid whenever possible.
I began to use color walks instead, starting indoors – where my home is littered with yellow items – before venturing out. This gradual transition helped me adjust and manage the task more effectively, without feeling overwhelmed. I focused on searching for the color yellow instead of fixating on the intimidating prospect of going outside, which reduced the fear.
Color walks became my go-to practice during those difficult weeks until I began to feel more stable, and I'll continue to use them on challenging days to help keep me calm and content.
- In my quest for anxiety management, I discovered color walking, a practice that focuses on searching for objects in various shades of a chosen color during a walk.
- Color walking proved beneficial as it provided a distraction from the ongoing spiral of thoughts, allowing me to focus on finding more of the chosen color instead.
- The trend not only helped me set aside my anxiety but also cheered me up, reminding me of sunflowers, bumblebees, and lemons – things that I associate with happiness and brighter moods.
- Apart from mindfulness and meditation, color walks have become a valuable tool in my mental health toolkit, helping me manage anxiety by reducing fear and providing a sense of calm during difficult days.
