Move over, 'fart walks' – there's a new wellness trend in town that's encouraging people to reconnect with the world around them. It's called the 'phone sober' stroll, and it involves leaving your smartphone behind when you head out for a walk.
The Experiment That Started a Trend
The trend gained traction after Women’s Health reporter Serene Madani conducted a week-long experiment. She committed to walking outside for an hour each day without her phone. Madani did not check her device before setting off and deliberately left it at home, forcing herself to focus solely on her surroundings and detach from the constant pull of technology.
To enhance her sense of presence, she even incorporated another TikTok trend into her routine. After the first day, she began picking a specific colour to look for during her walks, spotting as many items of that hue as possible. This simple act helped anchor her attention in the present moment.
The Remarkable Benefits of Disconnecting
At the conclusion of her experiment, Madani reported four significant benefits: she felt more present, more productive, less moody, and experienced quieter mornings.
This aligns with long-established knowledge about the benefits of walking for mental and physical health. The Mayo Clinic notes that daily walks can help prevent heart disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve cognition, mood, and memory.
Experts emphasise that the advantages of leaving technology behind are profound. Rael Cahn, PhD, MD, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry, told Health.com that walking without technology is reminiscent of 'mindful walking' in meditation traditions. He stated that it can be a "very powerful" practice.
Why Your Brain Needs a Break
Research has shown that using phones and other technology right before sleep and after waking can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. By leaving your phone at home, you give your mind a crucial opportunity to decompress and tune into nature instead of the endless stream of notifications.
"By moving the body, engaging the body, there’s a natural engagement with the senses that the movement encourages on its own," Cahn explained. While the initial separation from your device might feel uncomfortable, he assures that it gets easier, and the rewards are well worth the effort. "The richness of experience and the aliveness of the senses is not boring at all when you can really be present," he added.
The 'phone sober' walk is a close relative of the "silent walking" trend that went viral on TikTok in 2023, which encouraged people to walk without listening to music or podcasts. It seems the message is clear: for a truly restorative stroll, sometimes the best thing to bring is nothing at all.
