What Exactly Is the “Mental Walk”?
The term itself is pretty evocative—it paints a clear picture of what the technique is all about. Marketed as a way to fall asleep faster, the mental walk invites you to picture yourself going on a familiar stroll, but entirely inside your head. Think of a route you take regularly, one where you can easily remember every step. The best part? If that path is already soothing to you, even better.
In a way, this “mental walk” is a cousin to the classic “counting sheep” approach. Both methods involve visualizing and focusing on specific images to gently nudge your mind towards sleep. As health and wellness coach Joanna Shurety explained to Stylist magazine:
“When our mind affects our sleep, it’s often because we’re tired but stressed. A mental walk is worth trying, as it’s very similar to mindfulness and meditation. The idea is to bring our minds into a place of safety, calm, and relaxation.”
How to Relax for the Mental Walk
So, how exactly do you unwind using this method? It’s simple: start by choosing a memorable walk, one you feel emotionally connected to. Maybe it’s a stroll from a vacation, a journey during your travels, or even your favorite everyday route. As long as it gives you comfort, it qualifies.
Next, close your eyes and give yourself a moment with some deep breathing. Slow, regular, and deep inhalations are ideal—they help you sink into your thoughts and, consequently, that imaginary walk. Not surprisingly, these breathing exercises are pretty common in meditation techniques too.
The Key Is in the Details
Joanna Shurety also recommends really tuning in to your senses and the environment during your mental walk. Focus on whatever comes alive for you during that journey: maybe it’s the breeze, the warmth of the sun, or the scent of the woods. The more vividly you can imagine it, the better the effect.
- Visualize every step of the journey
- Pay attention to sensory details (sounds, smells, temperature)
- Take deep, steady breaths to anchor your imagination
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John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
