Every week, Talking Points gives you a worksheet to practise your reading comprehension with exercises about the story we’ve written.
Stretch your legs, spend time in nature and raise money for youth mental health at Weez Walk!
Organised by Weez Project and Mind HK, the annual walk began on Saturday and runs until March 1. During the event, participants walk the perimeter of Hong Kong Island in one full 62km go or in sections.
The walk helps raise funds for Mind HK and breaks the silence surrounding youth mental health struggles through active, community-based conversation.
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this restorative experience.
Have a motivational motto
Choose your motto before the event so it is ready when you need it. It can inspire you when you feel tired or sore. Keep it short and simple, so it is easy to remember and repeat to yourself. Some examples are “I am strong and capable”, “I can do this”, and “One step at a time. Keep going”.
Watch your breathing
Being intentional with your breathing can make a massive difference in how you feel, and this breathing exercise can help you focus. Practise it before the walk to help you feel more grounded.
Counting in your head, inhale through your nose for a count of four. Then exhale, again through your nose, for a count of four. Repeat a few times until you feel calmer.
Stay mindful and grateful
Mindfulness means paying attention to the moment. It supports our well-being by keeping us in the present, rather than dwelling on the past or thinking too far ahead and getting overwhelmed. You may feel many different emotions during Weez Walk. Mindfulness can help you connect with the nature around you.
Practise mindfulness by bringing your attention to five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
Meanwhile, practising gratitude triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin. These “feel-good” chemicals in our brains regulate mood and motivation. Connect with your teammates by asking everyone to share three things they have been grateful for recently.
Don’t forget to stretch!
It can be tempting to jump into bed as soon as you get home after a long walk. However, your body will thank you the next day if you take 10 minutes to stretch first.
The legs-up-the-wall yoga pose helps release tightness in the leg muscles. It also improves blood circulation and increases the flow of oxygen to your cells, helping you recover more quickly.
Begin by lying on your back on your bed or on the floor. Scoot as close to the wall as is comfortable. Then, crawl your legs up the wall until they are straight and lie back. If this feels uncomfortable, bend your knees as much as you need. Keep your lower back flat to avoid added pressure on your spine. Relax your arms alongside your body.
Remember your reasons
Remember why you signed up for Weez Walk. You may be taking part as a personal challenge or to support someone who has been struggling with their mental health. Take a moment to feel proud of yourself for bringing attention to youth mental health in Hong Kong. Every step you take matters.
