If you’re walking while using your phone. STOP 🛑

From personal experience, I’ve noticed that my walks feel more refreshing and stress-relieving when I keep my phone away and allow myself to fully engage with my surroundings. Scientific insights back this up — the concept of optic flow is crucial here. This is the visual sensation of the environment moving past you as you walk, which sends calming signals to your amygdala, the brain’s threat detector. When you fix your gaze on your phone screen, you lock your eyes in a narrow focus instead of scanning your environment. That means your brain misses out on optic flow, keeping your amygdala in a heightened state of alert. Despite physically moving, your body remains biologically stressed. This explains why walking while engrossed in your phone doesn’t actually count as effective walking. To truly benefit, try leaving your phone in your pocket or at home and walking at a comfortable pace for 10 to 20 minutes. Gently let your eyes move naturally across the scenery without forcing it — you’ll likely feel the stress-reducing effect of the optic flow activate. I also found that these mindful walks help me stay present, improve my mood, and even aid healthy weight loss over time. Following these simple changes has made my walks more enjoyable and restorative. If you’re aiming for stress relief or a healthier lifestyle, you can start by simply putting your phone away during your next walk and noticing the difference.