Viral Wellness: Color Walks
If your TikTok feed is suddenly full of people wandering around pointing at flowers, signs, and sneakers in the same shade of yellow, you’re not alone.
The color walk trend is everywhere right now. Surprisingly, it’s more than just an aesthetic wellness moment. Color walks are rooted in mindfulness and sensory awareness, which makes them a simple but powerful mental health practice. As a therapist, I love seeing this kind of trend gain traction, because it’s playful, free, AND backed by science.
Let’s give it a try!
What is a color walk?
The idea is simple: choose a color, go on a walk, notice everything you can in that color.
In honor of Pride Month, I decided to do a rainbow color walk
Why Color Walks Actually Work (Based on Science)
At first glance, a color walk might look like another fleeting TikTok wellness trend; a whimsical excuse to take a walk in cute sneakers and romanticize your life (like that’s so bad?) . But from a clinical perspective, there’s a lot going on under the surface.
Color walks actually draw from evidence-based strategies used in mindfulness practices, somatic therapy, and grounding techniques, all of which support emotional regulation, stress relief, and body awareness.
How to Try a Color Walk (therapist tips)
Pick a color before you start
Consider leaving headphones behind
Let yourself slow down
Optional: take photos or journal after
Alternatives to Walks:
Color observation from your window
Color scavenger hunt inside your home
Color journaling or collage
Color walks might be trending, but they’re far from superficial. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to reset your nervous system, build mindfulness into your day, or simply reconnect with your surroundings, this simple practice offers more than just pretty visuals.
It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t always have to be heavy. It can start with something as light as choosing a color and stepping outside. So the next time your brain feels overloaded or your body needs a break, try a color walk. You might be surprised by how much clarity, calm, and connection you find.