The Hidden Benefits of Hiking: How Getting Outdoors Can Improve Your Health
If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to improve your health and wellness, hiking may be the perfect activity for you. Hiking has been shown to reduce stress, increase endorphin levels, improve cognitive function, and even boost your metabolism. Plus, hiking in nature can give you the added bonus of spending time outdoors while enjoying the great outdoors. Take some time this week to go on an adventure! Here are five ways that hiking can benefit your health!
Boosts your immune system
Hiking is one the best ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. It can help boost your immune system, reduce stress, and provide a new perspective. The fresh air alone has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety while promoting a positive mood. Research has also found that hiking in nature significantly reduces symptoms of asthma. And with less pollution in the air you breathe, it may also protect against chronic lung diseases like COPD or emphysema. If you’re looking for more of an impact, climbing uphill on steep trails such as switchbacks can help strengthen muscles used for breathing by requiring more energy use. Even if it’s not steep enough to climb up, walking on uneven surfaces such as gravel paths will force your muscles to work harder than they do when they walk on flat ground.
Reduces stress
Hiking is a great way to reduce stress. With the right view and brisk air, there’s no better way to feel refreshed and de-stressed. Furthermore, hiking helps your brain work more efficiently because it forces you to concentrate on your surroundings. Finally, getting out in nature means you’re exposed to clean air which can help decrease symptoms of asthma or bronchitis by as much as 50%. Not only does this mean you’ll be able to breathe easier, but that leaves plenty of room for other outdoor activities like cycling! Also, with all those good feelings you’ve gained from being outdoors and free of chronic pain, it’ll be easier to live healthier. In fact, studies show that people who hike at least three times per week are 40% less likely to develop depression than those who don’t exercise at all!
Lowers blood pressure
In addition to the physical benefits, hiking is a great way to improve your mental health. Being outdoors in nature can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels and depression, and improve self-esteem. It also helps people reconnect with their spiritual side. A lot of hikers that I’ve encountered have had some sort of spiritual experience on the trail, said Colin Cahill, founder of Hike for Hospice. It might be as simple as noticing a tree for the first time or feeling close to nature.
Improves heart health
Hiking is good for your heart too – those who hike regularly have healthier cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure than those who do not. And as an added bonus, walking on uneven ground releases endorphins into your brain which trigger feelings of happiness! Plus when we walk or hike uphill we automatically increase our heart rate which provides many cardiovascular benefits including improving heart health by decreasing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Increases lifespan
In recent years, scientific studies have shown that hiking has a wide range of health benefits. For example, a 2013 study in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology found that hiking can increase lifespan. In addition to the physical benefits, hiking also offers spiritual benefits such as improving mental health and reducing stress. A certified health coach can offer advice on how to effectively incorporate walking into your daily routine and help you determine what is best for you based on your current level of activity. Being out in nature provides peace and serenity while reducing stress levels. Hiking increases lung capacity because it involves deep breathing and healthy lung function reduces chronic illnesses like asthma, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Hiking improves mood by giving people time to slow down, enjoy nature and give their thoughts some space.
Aids in weight loss
It’s great exercise, helping with weight loss and building muscle tone. The endorphins released when we hike have an overall positive effect on our wellbeing too! With all these benefits, it’s no wonder there are so many people who hike regularly to maintain their physical health. There are many ways to incorporate hiking into your life, from bringing your dog on a walk to going on a hike every day. You don’t need expensive gear either – any pair of shoes will do the trick!
Improves mental health
Hiking is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. And while hiking has many physical benefits, one of the most underrated benefits is how it can improve mental health. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, hiking in nature can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD as well as lower stress levels. Research has also shown that spending time outside increases attention span for children with ADHD because they are able to concentrate better than when indoors or playing video games. Getting out into nature is also beneficial for our mood because being exposed to sunlight boosts serotonin levels in the brain which improves our moods. The University of Michigan suggests getting out into natural environments at least once per week to experience the full benefits on mental health.
Connects you with nature
Hiking is a great way to get outside and connect with nature. Some benefits of hiking are improved mood, increased spiritual well-being, and mental health benefits. In addition to these benefits, hiking can also improve your physical health. You may need to modify the hike or pick an easier trail, but the outdoors will be waiting for you with all it has to offer when it feels like the time is right.
It’s fun!
As a certified health coach we can help you put together a plan that’s right for you! We will help you identify what level of exercise is appropriate for your age and fitness level. Think of all the fun you will have. Looking forward to meeting with you and incorporating hiking into your health regime.