About Trails for Wales – Relaxation

By trying these mindful activities during your walk, you can calm your busy mind and feel more connected to nature. Here are ten practices to make your walk more mindful and enjoyable along the Trails for Wales:

1. Find a peaceful spot to sit and take deep breaths: Take a break during your walk and find a quiet place to sit. Breathe in slowly through your nose, then breathe out through your mouth. Feel your body relax as you take deep, calming breaths.
2. Pause and look at the colours around you: Take a moment to admire the different colours in nature. Can you spot all the colours of a rainbow? Look for vibrant flowers, colourful leaves, and anything else that catches your eye.
3. Explore under leaves and logs: Get curious and look under leaves and logs. Who lives in this tiny world? You might discover bugs, worms, or other fascinating creatures. Remember to be gentle and put everything back where you found it.
4. Look up and enjoy the beauty above:  Lift your head up and see the amazing things above you. Notice the branches and leaves of tall trees, the colours of the sky, the fluffy clouds, and the birds soaring through the air. It’s like having your very own nature show!
5. Tie knots or weave grass stems: Get creative with the grass around you. See if you can tie knots or weave the stems together to make interesting patterns. Let your imagination run wild as you create your grassy masterpieces.
6. Close your eyes and count the sounds around you: Close your eyes and listen carefully. How many different sounds can you hear? Is it the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, or the whispering wind? Count the sounds on your fingers and enjoy the symphony of nature.
7. Find faces in tree bark: Look closely at tree bark. Do you see any funny or friendly faces hiding in the patterns? Let your imagination guide you as you discover magical characters and stories within the bark.
8. Walk barefoot in a safe place: Find a soft and safe area to take off your shoes and socks. Feel the ground beneath your feet as you walk. Notice the different textures, like cool grass or smooth dirt. It’s a delightful way to connect with nature!
9. Listen to the birds and try to understand their messages: Pay attention to the beautiful songs of the birds. Can you figure out what they might be saying to each other? Listen carefully and see if you can understand their cheerful conversations.
10. Feel the textures of nature: Explore the textures of nature with your hands. Touch the rough bark of trees or gently high-five passing leaves. Pay attention to how they feel against your skin and take in the sensory experience of nature’s touch.
By practising these ten activities during your walk, you can quiet your busy mind, feel more connected to nature, and experience the peacefulness surrounding you. So, let’s start walking, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the mindful adventure that nature has in store for us.