Hiking is my favorite past time and I have a great passion for it. People of all ages do it and for all different sorts of reasons ranging from exercise, connecting with nature or for sport. The benefits are numerous and I am happy to go over the top reasons to go hiking with you!
- It is good for your overall health. Research shows it is good for your heart, mind and body.
- Mind- It reduces stress. Through hiking you can disconnect from your normal routine, responsibilities and stress by spending time in nature. Research shows it helps reduce stress and anxiety. Humans were meant to be a part of nature and are well adapted to spending time in the natural elements. We have only lived in modern suburban and urban settings for really a handful of generations. We are realizing the stress that modern societal structure places on us. Mental health disorders are continuing to rise. Getting back to nature only makes sense.
- Heart – It is great exercise. It is good cardiovascular workout and you can choose how strenuous the hike will be. Weather you need flat terrain or ready to take on a mountain hike,there is something out there for just about every experience and activity level desired.
- Body – Both inside and out hiking can help our bodies. It is a weight bearing exercise and will help strengthen bones. It will help strengthen leg and core muscles as well as improve balance. Aside from the obvious health benefits that being active provides, studies have also shown that it actually boosts your immune function. There is a phenomenon called forest bathing that originated in Japan that is a variation on the activity of hiking whereas time is spent immersed in the forest to receive health benefits. The essential oils from the wood from the trees actually effect your immune function. I always felt better after my nature hikes and now I know there is a scientific reason behind it.
- Spiritual practices seem to be heightened when spending time in nature. If you have a spiritual practice try connecting to it or incorporating it during your hike.
- You get to see new places ranging from your local park trails to National Parks or Nature Preserves. There are beautiful waterfalls, natural rock formations, caves and forests all awaiting to be explored.
- You can connect with yourself, family members or your partner during hiking adventures. It removes everyday distractions and allows you to focus on each other. You will make memories and build strong bonds through your experiences on the trails. Sometimes you will have to overcome obstacles or difficulties during a hike which all prove to strengthen bonds.
- You can journal, sketch or photograph during, or after your hikes. Everyone has a different reason for hitting the trails. This allows a creative way to record your experience whether it is just for yourself or to share with others. Hiking can provide insight for expression or art.
With all of these amazing reasons hopefully you will find one or several that inspire you to plan a hiking adventure. Let’s hit the trails!
Coming soon I will share my most recent hiking adventures with you from Red River Gorge and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest!
Enjoy the journey and always be true to yourself!
Jen to the Zen