What are the benefits of the silent walking trend?

We’re well acquainted with the benefits of walking for mental and physical health, and silent walking encompasses all of these, from improved cardiovascular health to increased lifespan and more. But it comes with the added mental health boost of silence.

In an increasingly noisy world, the power of silence is often overlooked. But studies show that even just two minutes of silence significantly reduces heart rate and blood pressure, while noisy environments raise levels of our stress hormone (cortisol) and make it difficult for us to concentrate.

And certainly, TikTok agrees, with fans of the trend commenting that silent walking helps them to problem solve and boosts their creativity. The argument is that rather than being bombarded with stimuli, silent walks mean our brains can focus and are less distracted.

“Leaving technology behind and walking in silence enables you to drop down into a deeper level of consciousness,” says Garlick. “It also allows us to tune into our creative and instinctive selves, which is so often drowned out in everyday life.”

Hop on the silent walking trend: how TikTok’s latest spin on walking can boost creativity and lower stress levels