Hiking is one of the most underappreciated activities. I have seen more people cringe at the idea of hiking down a trail than going to the dentist. Hiking offers so many wonderful benefits to those willing to strap on a pair of boots or sneakers and explore.
1. Hiking Helps Connect You With Nature
This one is clearly a no-brainer. Hiking gets you into the great outdoors and gives you the opportunity to see things you might not otherwise get to see, such as wild animals, waterfalls, or incredible views. As they say, leaving the road and taking the trails awakens our senses. We can appreciate all the beauty of mother earth. Being in Nature has a profound effect on our overall health and well-being. Studies have shown that people are happier, healthier, and more creative after connecting with nature.
2. Hiking Relieves Stress
Feeling stressed? Anxious? Or just in a plain crappy mood? Hit the trails and walk your way to a better mood. Even a short 10-minute walk has the power to alter your mood and make you feel better. Also, the deep breathing and fresh air have a way of clearing your mind and relaxing you. Having a difficult discussion or relationship problem? Hiking together and talking can help make you feel like you are on the same page. The act of walking in a forward direction creates a connection.
3. Hiking Can Be as Easy or As Difficult As You Want
Unlike most forms of exercise, hiking can be as easy or as difficult as you need it to be, and there isn’t much of a learning curve involved. You can take an easy walk through the woods and while you will get good exercise and some fresh air, without it being too demanding on your body. You can up the challenge of your hike by adding some hilly terrain. Hiking doesn’t just have to be on trails. Some of our favorite hikes have been up creeks on hot days. There is a lot of life to be discovered in and along creeks.
4. Hiking Boosts Creativity
There is nothing like a little fresh air to get the neurons firing. The fresh air combined with the endorphins from exercise helps to boost creativity. Nature is incredibly stimulating, and many great artists have taken their inspiration from the natural world.
5. Hiking is Great Exercise
Of course, hiking is a great way to exercise. Unlike many forms of exercise, hiking is fun and, with the ever-changing scenery, doesn’t become monotonous. It is mostly low impact, but it helps with cardiac health and building muscle. Regular hiking can reduce blood pressure and increase bone density.
6. Hiking Helps You Sleep Better
Having trouble sleeping at night? There is nothing like fresh air and exercise to help you sleep better. This is a great activity for insomnia sufferers. Physical exercise in itself helps induce good sleep but adds the fresh air and the stress-reduction of hiking, and you will find yourself snoozing the night away in no time.
7. Hiking Is Affordable
Unlike most other forms of exercise or activities, hiking is almost always free, and hikers require minimal equipment. A decent pair of sneakers or boots, and you are off on your adventure. There are free places to hike all over; at most, you will pay a small admission fee to enter a state or national park.
8. Hiking Is A Natural Antidepressant
Hiking helps boost your endorphins through exercise, and the sunshine provides your body with much-needed vitamin D. We often find that much of our lives confine us to the indoors, depriving us of sunlight. The combined effects of sunlight, deep breathing, and fresh air can naturally lift your spirit. As previously mentioned, you can walk your way out of a bad mood just by getting out and hiking.
9. Hiking Is Great For Every Age Group
Hiking is an activity that is great at any age. When our children were babies, we would use a frame pack so that we could still get into the great outdoors, and they loved it. As they got older, we found trails that were equal to their skill level. Today they are great hikers who like to take on more challenging trails. My parents, who are both in their eighties, get outside every day and hike for at least 1 mile. They credit hiking for their vibrant health.
Looking for some great places to hike? Check out some of our favorite parks and trails by region.