Health Benefits of Hiking
A few weeks ago I woke up in a seriously bad mood. It happens every once in a while, right? Nothing concrete caused it & nothing changed it. Not even coffee!
When my family realized my mood was lingering, the first thing they suggested was going outside. I resisted at first but knew better. I knew the benefits on the other side of that resistance. I knew outdoors was the best medicine for my mindset.
Nature is powerfully healing & calming. The colors, the smells, the temperature, the sounds… everything about nature appeals to the senses. I consider being outdoors a form of therapy.
Hiking is a great way to experience all of this for yourself. I appreciate it’s versatility because I can choose my pace, distance, & level of difficulty or ease. It’s a personal journey & requires no competition. Unless of course, your goal is to go farther or harder than you did last time.
A quick Google search will give you a long list of hiking-related health benefits. There are benefits such as mental clarity, lower blood pressure, cardiovascular improvement, stronger core strength for better balance, lower stress levels, & stronger leg & glute strength. There are so many to list.
The impact outdoor activity has on my children is extremely noticeable as well. After a strategic hike, casual walk, or even playing outdoors, my daughters are calmer & more level-headed. They aren’t restless or so quick to complain.
The key with my daughters is not just consistent movement but the element of wandering. Allowing your kids to be curious & explore plays a huge part in using the imagination. If you were an imaginative child, you probably remember how tired you felt after a full day of mental & physical activity. Give your kids freedom to run, jump, explore, & play freely but safely. Bedtime will thank you!
For any current outdoor activity, remember best safety practices for COVID-19. Have masks readily available in situations that don’t allow proper social distancing (i.e. on narrow hiking trails). More than likely, you’ll cross paths with other people at some point. We use the straps on our masks to secure them to our wrists for convenience. I’ve also seen people with masks around their necks when not in use. Do what works for you.
Have fun out there but make safety your first priority!
If you hike regularly, what benefits have you noticed? Do you have any to add to this post?
