Spending time outside and in nature is a great way to relax and reset and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Hiking is a great way to get out and experience the outdoors and has many health benefits for the body, mind and soul. Walking over uneven ground improves balance and coordination. Climbing a steep hill can improve your cardiovascular health. Being outside and taking a breath of fresh air can improve your mental health.
In addition to the many obvious physical health benefits of hiking, there are several mental health benefits as well. Many scientists agree that even just looking at nature can help relieve stress. The combination of exercise and the outdoors make hiking a wonderful benefit to your mental health. Whether you’re a solo hiker, hiking with friends or your family or Off The Beaten Track WA, you’ll get amazing health benefits from spending time outdoors.
Let’s look at some of the benefits hiking has on your body, mind and soul!
Clear Your Mind
Depending on where you live and go hiking, you may/may not have mobile phone signal. Hiking forces you to detach from technology for a while and be present. While hiking you can enjoy nature and the outdoors and not feel bombarded by what’s going on in the news, social media of in your inbox! Nature provides a quiet place to reflect on your own thoughts. Taking a break from the constant stimulus of social media, TV, and the news can help boost your mental health.
If you’re someone who works in front of a computer or indoors, then getting out hiking on your days off is a great way to recharge and boost your mental health. Hiking through a natural environment is more effective than simply taking a walk in an urban environment. Even getting out for a short walk through a park during your lunch break can have a big impact on your mood going into the afternoon and your mental health overall.
Supercharge Your Brain
Research shows that people who spend time in nature and less time on technology are 50% more creative when it comes to problem solving. Not only does nature provide the perfect platform to clear your mind but it also allows you to gain clarity on things you may have been ruminating over. Regular hiking can also boost your ability to remember and learn!
Your Body Will Thank You
It’s no secret that regular exercise is good for you! But hiking offers you the opportunity to exercise as you explore! Regular hiking can help you to lose weight, lower blood pressure, decrease cholesterol, prevent diabetes or heart disease. Imagine getting all these health benefits whilst you are exploring Kitty’s Gorge or Lesmurdie Falls! Sounds like a winning formula to me!
Remember, hiking should be done at whatever pace you feel comfortable. Hiking is about the journey and isn’t a race. As you build up stamina you can challenge yourself to longer, more strenuous hikes or even test your fitness on one of our Endurance Hikes.
Builds Resilience and Self-Confidence
Nothing is perfect in nature, and most things are completely out of our control. When hiking, you learn to go with the flow. Of course, check the weather before heading out and make sure you’re prepared with snacks, water and first aid. However, the times we get caught in the pouring rain or find ourselves a little off track and walking on a ridge with a head torch that is running out of batteries often make the best memories. Pushing yourself to make it to the top of the mountain is a feeling of accomplishment that you can carry into your daily life. The feeling of success when you make it back to the car is a great boost to your self-confidence at the end of a long day.
Mindfulness
When dealing with our mental health, it’s often difficult to be present. We spend time dwelling on all the things that could have been or might become, rather than enjoying the only thing that really matters: the present. Hiking makes it easy to connect and appreciate your surroundings, be mindful and focus on the here and now. Leave the hustle and bustle of your daily life behind. It gets harder to focus on the problems you may have at work or in your personal life when you’re walking through a stunning jarrah forest admiring the sunlight filtering through the forest canopy.
Easy and Affordable
Hiking is an easy and affordable way to get enjoyable exercise and spend time outdoors. All you need are sturdy shoes and an idea of where you’re going.
If you decide to join a hiking tour with Off The Beaten Track WA then we take care of all the prep work for you. From providing you with information on current conditions, what to pack, terrain information to providing delicious and nutritious trail snacks, we make it easy so you can just enjoy the moment and immerse yourself in nature.
