People often describe the Camino as a walk for the soul.

Walking along the Meseta across Northern Spain one can’t help but tune in to the slower pace of life. Using this long-distance trail as a time to reflect is becoming more and more popular.

In a world buzzing with distractions a quiet walk in natural surroundings allows us to pause, take deep breaths and enjoy the repetitive task of putting one foot in front of the other.

The joy of walking is the ability to bask in the task of the moment.

Whether you walk the coastal paths of the Camino Portugues or the forest tracks of the Camino Frances, each trail offers the chance to discover the power of nature to enhance your attention span.

Mindful Walking on the Camino Portugues Coastal

“Walking allows us to deeply immerse ourselves in nature, our new surroundings, and appreciate each moment.

Our mind and body focus on the activity, taking step after step and enjoying every single one of them. The pleasure of meeting other pilgrims along the way makes the Camino journey even more special,” explains Galician native Maria Golpe. Maria has walked and cycled many different Camino routes.

Research has proven that a connection with nature provides strong social and emotional benefits. A recent study in the Journal of Religion, Spirituality, and Aging shows that nature helps to reduce levels of anxiety and enhance higher positive well-being.

Walking your chosen path, aware of the smells, sights and sounds can be an exhilarating experience with restorative benefits. Enjoy being present at the moment, listening to the sounds of birds chirping, trees rustling, and waves swashing.

How mindful walking helped me to achieve a work-life balance

In 2015 I had my first experience of a walking holiday. Now each year I choose a new Camino route that allows me time and space to live in the moment. This year I completed the Camino Portugues from Baiona to Santiago.

This stunning trail takes you along the Atlantic coastline and through historic towns. Before heading off on my journey I was a little apprehensive. Firstly, I had little experience walking over long-distance terrain. The most I had carried out was a Sunday stroll in the Irish hills which led me along tree-lined paths for just over two hours. Time never allowed for much longer but now, here I was preparing to walk over 120 km in 6 days. How would I find my way? What types of terrain would I cross? Is it dangerous? What if I can’t keep up with the others? These were just a few of the worrisome questions that crossed my mind. However, as soon as we started out on the Camino paths with the vibrant yellow arrows guiding us, these questions quickly faded into the background. The joy of walking is truly being immersed in your immediate surroundings. No clouds of judgment exist, just clouds guiding you to your next destination. Such simple joys are often taken for granted.

As I mentioned I had little experience of activity holidays. Personally, I had an enjoyable but demanding job. The pressure came as part of the package. Phrases like reaching targets, achieving results, making contacts, building profiles, sprinkled my days, and haunted my evenings. Most people working with multi-national companies will be familiar with these action points. What extra steps can you take to achieve your results for the four quarters that will help you to come closer to a bonus at the end of each quarter? I needed time out. I needed to just be, to live in the moment, to drag myself far away from forecasts and plans. Walking the