Hiking means enjoying a revitalizing moment. People increasingly appreciate the benefits of slowness and simplicity. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the natural environment too.
Here are 5 reasons why you should start hiking:
1. It is an extremely healthy activity.
Hiking can improve your general physical health and under many aspects is comparable to other sports. Sleep improves, the risk of cardiovascular diseases and chronic diseases is reduced. Indeed, it could also be better than an indoor sport activity. The uneven surface of the paths allows you to actually work naturally and effectively on your internal balance and strengthen it. This does not happen on a treadmill in the gym, whose surface is absolutely equal and you can only change the inclination. The gym doesn’t even offer the combination of pure air and natural light, accompanied by sounds, colors and perfumes of nature.
2. Walking outdoors makes you happier.
Hiking strengthens your spirit and your body at the same time. You can improve your mood, increase your happiness, and reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Connecting your spirit and your senses to the present moment, an excursion into nature represents the perfect antidote to stress of modern life. In Japan, a long walk in the natural environment is considered an official therapy to reduce stress. The “shinrin-yoku“, or bath in the forest, simply consists of plunging yourself in the heart of a peaceful forest for a few hours and soaking up its atmosphere.
3. Sport is mixed with discovery
This is one of the main advantages of hiking, because it allows you to associate sport with discovery. Going to the gym can sometimes be difficult while going on an excursion is perceived as a pleasant activity. Hiking is always a new journey. By simply putting one foot in front of the other, you can venture into the diversity of new landscapes: green prairies, relaxing forests, sparkling lakes or cozy villages.
4. It’s a nearly free activity
There is no need to enroll, no classes or expensive equipment are required, hiking is an affordable activity. Some nature reserves may ask for a low-cost entry ticket but there are plenty of areas whose access is completely free. The only thing really necessary is a pair of good and comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses, if it is sunny, of course.
5. Hiking is accessible to all, in almost all seasons and in all places
Everyone can enjoy a walk in nature, regardless of the age and the level of training. Of course, you may have to choose paths that are suitable for your age and physical fitness. You don’t even need to plan or prepare the excursion in advance. Surely there are natural spaces suitable for hiking around or not far from you. If there are no mountains or large trails nearby where you live, there will certainly be a park or a natural space.
By the way, today is Easter, why don’t you go out for a hike? You can always eat chocolate later! In any case, enjoy this holiday as never before!
For more on healthy lifestyles, visit my blog crisbiecoach!
Happy Easter! From someone who can no longer hike, I agree – get out while you can!
Thank you VJ for your comment. I am sorry that you cannot hike any longer
Such is life – legs don’t work but mind still going strong!
Take advantage of what you can do!
Yeah I agree that hiking means enjoying a revitalizing moment. It activates our muscles and eradicates stress. Keep posting and enjoy. Please visit my blog. Follow and comment to my posts.
Thank you for commenting! I will visit your blog. Could you give the precise URL? I couldn’t find it 🥴
https://wordpress.com/view/trailblazer.page
My granddaughter hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. I’m lucky to be able to make it around the block! I’m with VJ—get out there and it while ye may!
That’s great Julia!
I agree, hiking or just walking in nature is very therapeutic. Even people in wheelchairs experience the benefits of going along a pathway, for the sights, sounds and smells of nature are very healthy and help us to feel better. Babies in strollers also sleep better after being outside!
I didn’t know about people in wheelchairs, definitely hiking is good for everybody! Thank you Tamara for commenting!
I have recently gotten into hiking – exploring some lovely areas of the UK includes North Wales, the Lake District, the Peak District, the Wirral and Cheshire. I am very lucky to live in such a beautiful country!
I am sure it’s beautiful! Thank you for commenting!
This is such great advice! It’s true- time in nature offers important things you just can’t get anywhere else- including the gym!
Thank you for commenting Todd !
I love those post, Cristiana! You have codified what I’ve always felt about hiking so thank you for that!
You inspired me Wynne! I learned a lot from your stories on climbing.
You make a good point Christiana. I hadn’t considered that the walking I do for my blog topics was also contributing to my balance.
Excellent Kevin, thank you for commenting!
Aww thanks for the reminders!
Agreed 👍 hiking is great exercise and meditation 🧘♂️ 😀
Thank you for commenting!
I agree! I mostly resonate with hiking making you happier. People out on the trail are usually very nice and being out in nature improves my mood. It relieves stress and calms me. Sometimes putting me at awe by the beauty but also allowing myself to tackle a challenge and complete it. Hiking clears my mind and allows me to think clearer, often allowing me to improve myself and make tough choices with certainty in my life. All of which improves the quality of my life. This is also one activity that allows me to slow my overactive brain and enjoy each moment.
Wow Jonah, you are the best testimonial for convincing people hiking!