Next time you hear your study buddy tell you to join them for a hike, you may want to say thanks to them for simply looking out for you. Hiking offers huge benefits for your overall well-being, and the fact that you friend wants you to reap all of these calls for a little appreciation, don’t you think?
Studies have shown that taking a walk in the amazing outdoors can boost your physical health and reduce stress remarkably. There is no better way to deal with exam anxiety or feeling slackish after a heavy breakfast than strapping on your hiking boots, grabbing a trekking pole and ‘walking it off’.
We have laid down 5 proven benefits of hiking so that next time you head out into the woods for a trek, you will not only feel awesome – you will understand why.
1. Increases Your Fitness Level
Did you know that you could burn over 400 calories trekking for just one hour? Well, even though this will partly depend on the weight of your pack and how steep the trail is, hiking is usually softer on joints than running.
A hiking trail will be much easier to walk on than concrete and asphalt, which means you will be more motivated to keep moving forward than when taking a run. And if your trek ends up on a hill, you will be amazed by your weight loss results.
2. Declutters Your Mind
The psychological and mental benefits of hiking cannot be underestimated. Just getting out of your dorm, class, or any other indoor space and enjoying the beauty, stimulating fresh breeze, and serenity of Mother Nature can do incredible wonders to your mind.
Mental health difficulties like depression, anxiety, and stress, which are more prominent today, can be treated by taking a walk in nature. New study has found that even half an hour walk in the wilderness can improve the health of your brain greatly.
Hiking actually changes how your brain functions. It draws your focus from negative thoughts and boosts your mood. The beautiful scenery of forests, hills, beaches, and rivers is more fascinating than the four classroom walls, so any walk through the natural world will make you feel less stressed and so much happier. Just like participating in The Lift Project, hiking will give you an astounding boost in your wellbeing.
3. Unplugs You From The School World
As a student, you may feel like you are always ‘switched on’ – if you are not in a lecture hall, you are probably in the library working on a project or studying for end of semester exams. There is always something you need to do and somewhere you need to be.
Unplugging yourself from this nerve wracking schedule by wandering in the nearby woodland can really help you relieve the mental fatigue that school workload inevitably brings. You are able to clear your mind and get it all set for other tasks.
4. Boosts Your Social Life
There are no restrictions on who can participate in a hike and who cannot. One of the greatest benefits of hiking is improving our social life. If you are planning to take a really long hike, you can invite a few buddies or family members. Chat about everything, laugh at anything, and be silly together as you pick berries, bag mountains, or walk on the beach.
A hike is a naturally social activity, and bringing along a few members of your study group, friends, or relatives can give you a great opportunity to spend quality and real time together.
5. Helps To Control Diabetes
Taking a hike on a regular basis can help you control or prevent health conditions like diabetes. While you walk on the trail, your muscles work extra hard to propel you forward, which breaks down the glucose in your bloodstream to meet the high demand for energy. This lowers your blood sugar, which helps you to prevent diabetes or keep it in control.
In A Nutshell
There you have it! 5 amazing health benefits of hiking. Whether you are dealing with exam stress, want a breather after a long day at the lab, looking to shed some weight, or spend time with loved ones, hiking is the way to go.
Trekking plugs you into the natural world and gives you an opportunity to exercise your body and mind. You become fitter, your mind gets clearer, and you feel much happier.
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