Did you know there are over 44.5 million hikers globally?
The word hiking itself brings forth images of fun and adventure that lift your mood. Hiking is all about the great outdoors and sceneries that captivate the soul. Also, it’s one of the best ways to remain fit and active.
A few keystrokes on your computer reveal boatloads of research on just how crucial hiking is for the mind, body, and soul. Let this inspire you to make it a regular activity. Sweat the stress and pent up energy away.
Make it a part of your active lifestyle. It’s a way to get out of the enclosed gyms to explore the wilderness. The fresh air and nature make you happier. For more hiking tips and tricks visit: Hiking Gear Lab.
Mental/Physical Benefits of Hiking
1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Being outdoors in the open can help lower your levels of stress and anxiety. Hiking gives you a chance to get away from everything and be one with nature. In turn, your mind can calm down, lowering anxiety levels.
2. Better Sleep Patterns
Lack of enough sleep hurts your mind and body. Getting a good night’s sleep benefits your day-to-day life. A hike takes much more energy than a walk. It means by the end of it, your whole being will be demanding rest.
3. Become more Active
Heading out for a hike requires more energy than many other forms of physical activity. The more robust the terrain is, the better for your body because you burn more calories. Take up hiking often to keep fit. You can mix up different trails and even go on hiking trips abroad.
4. Happier Thoughts
Being in one place for long can dampen your moods. A change for scenery works wonders making you happier. Imagine the beautiful landscapes awaiting you on top of that hill. Already these are creating happy thoughts that lift your spirits.
5. Improve Memory
Yes, hiking can help improve your memory. Researchers at the University of Columbia concluded that being active increases the size of the hippocampus. It’s the area of your brain responsible for learning and verbal memory. That alone is enough to get you out of the door!
6. Hiking is Exercise for Overall Health
No one can ignore just how beneficial hiking is to health and well-being. It impacts not only your physical body but also your mind. Being one with nature has a way of relaxing the mind as you sweat out all the stress. Picture the epic views, fresh air, and the sounds of fauna on your way. That is enough to restore your whole being to optimum health.
7. Hiking Reduces Stress
When stress levels are high, it is hard to perform at your level best. You must find a way to ease your mind and relieve pent up tension. Get on your hiking shoes and work out what is causing the stress. As you hike, your brain calms down, and without even realizing it, all the tension leaves your body.
8. Hiking Improves Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills
Take a hike to improve your creativity levels and problem-solving skills. Researchers at Stanford University conducted a study in 2014 on this matter. They concluded that hiking boosted creativity and problem-solving abilities by 60%.
A look at history reveals that the brightest minds in the world enjoyed walking. Many of their observations came when out in nature. Walking or hiking comes in handy to help your hippocampus expand improving your ability to think clearly.
Why do you Go Hiking?
It’s simple. Hiking is fun for all. No matter your age, you can step out into the great outdoors and relish in the beauty. You benefit physically and mentally from a good hike. Apart from that, it’s a great bonding experience. You can meet new people on a solo hike or tag along with friends and family.
Final Verdict
In your quest to remain physically and mentally active, make hiking a regular activity you indulge. It’s a chance to transform your whole being and live your best life. Being out in nature has a way of increasing your productivity and is a chance to discover new places.
FAQs
- Why is hiking the best?
When you hike often, it not only benefits your body but your mind as well. It’s the best way to remain physically active while improving your mental strength.
- Does hiking tone your body?
Yes. Hiking is a great way to get the cardio exercise that burns off the excess energy in your body.
- Is hiking better than running?
Even though hiking increases your heart rate, the beat won’t reach the levels you get from running. Still, it’s a great way to remain active while enjoying the sceneries along the way.
- Is hiking good exercise for weight loss?
Yes. Hiking is a form of cardio workout that helps you burn calories. When you do it often enough, it can help you lose weight.
- Does hiking burn belly fat?
Hiking is known to help you exercise your core muscles. Regular hikes will, therefore, help you burn that excess belly fat and tone your body.
- What do you do after a long hike?
After a long hike, you need your body time to relax and recover. You can get a good massage or soak in a hot bath to relax your muscles. Also, consider stretching as soon as you can. Additionally, have a small meal, get into bed, and get some sleep.
- How does hiking make you feel?
Hiking makes, you feel good. Similar to any other form of physical activity, hiking induces a boost of endorphins. Endorphins are in charge of happy feelings and lifting your spirits.
