Hiking and Mental Health

Of the many hard and easy hikes I’ve done, There is always something in my mind and body even that always brings me into the present. How is it that just going out for a short little hike or big strenuous hike that takes hours on end and really physically makes you go for it really make you feel spiritually uplifted? What I’ve found out is those that have hiked for most of their life or feel a deep connection with the outdoors share this same mindset is being present in the moment is what comes with hiking and minus the phone and technology distraction.

Though starting out many just want to be able to get off the couch and burn a lot of calories as hiking is guaranteed to do for them. That’s the other added benefit comes with the physical side of the hike. Not only is hiking spiritual it also works every muscle in your lower body including your core and lower back if you hike with a big backpack. As well as gaining a plyometric and balance workout from going downhill jumping on to uneven ground. It’s been a proven fact that people who hike a lot tend to live longer.

I have found the more I’ve hiked the more spiritual side of me comes on more so now than ever. I feel many avid hikers could say the same thing because I now see that being in the wilderness takes me to a peaceful and more quiet place in me than any other form of meditation out there. I also believe that it is because of the natural beauty and quietness that surrounds the mountains that really could bring a person from a loud and crazy work life or even personal life to a place of tranquility with all the beautiful waterfalls in the forest or the beauty of reaching the summit of a rugged peak only to see a gorgeous view or maybe spotting a beautiful wildflower along a stream on the way up to the top. There is really a lot of endless ways to feel in the present moment that nature gives off when on a hike no matter who you are or what’s stage your in during your life.

Going for a quick trail walk really declutters the mind and soul of past negative thoughts and also Slows yourself down from overthinking about the future. I think this is the true positive effect hiking has on those who love it and embrace what’s around them other than thinking what happened the day before in their past or what events could take place in the future because nobody really knows the answer to that question. That’s why when you start feeling anxious try to look up where a local hiking trail is and go out and start hiking it. You would be surprised of the mental and spiritual benefits you may gain from that day and who knows you may become lifelong hiker who climbs Mount Everest. Or you may meet another hiker who shares the same goal along the way. If you become a person who enjoys hiking which science says is a great thing for yourself it could be the difference for your health.