4 Benefits of Hiking
Whether you’re an experienced hiker and trail-runner, or are just beginning to hike, getting active in the great outdoors offers benefits that may surprise you. Hiking can improve your mental health and sharpen your mind. At the same time as it strengthens bones and muscles, it can also improve your relationships with family and friends. Read on to learn more about these surprising benefits of hiking.
Did You Know Hiking Can Improve Mental Health?
You’d have to be living under a rock if you hadn’t heard that workouts can reduce anxiety and depression. But where you work out does make a difference. Nature has some benefits that gyms and busy city streets lack.
A 2015 Stanford University study found that 90-minute nature walks reduced a psychological state called “rumination.” Rumination refers to repeated negative thoughts about our selves, like “I’m not smart enough” or “I’ll never be successful enough.”
The Stanford scientists went a step further and analyzed brain activity among 90-minute hikers and people who walked on city streets. Hikers had reduced activity in the parts of their brain associated with mental illness and stress. In contrast, urban walkers had higher levels of stress and activity in the anxiety centers of their brain.
Study co-author Greg Bratman said researchers are finding more and more evidence that “nature experience increases positive mood and decreases negative mood.”
Hiking Clears Your Mind and Boosts Creativity
Long-time hikers can tell you that being out in nature can offer many creative insights. Science is now showing that the creative benefits of hiking are real.
A 2012 study on “Creativity in the Wild” disconnected 56 young men and women from technology and sent them on a four-day backpacking trip. When the backpackers returned, they scored 50% higher on tests of creativity and problem-solving than before they left on the trip.
The hikers weren’t allowed to take cell phones or other technology on their 4-day trips. The study suggests that they replenished their ability to concentrate and solve problems by spending time in nature. They also got benefits from leaving the distractions of cell phones and technology behind.
Hiking Can Improve Your Relationships With Family and Friends
There’s a reason many hikers join groups and schedule regular hikes. Hiking with friends improves everyone’s mood and provides an opportunity to get to know others in a stress-free, positive environment.
Many hikers got their start as children hiking and camping with their family. Hiking is a proven bonding activity, and it can strengthen relationships between parents and children. Some studies have shown that when parents of children with ADHD spend regular time exercising outdoors with their child, behavior, attitude, and attention span improve.
Hiking Strengthens Bones and Muscles
How can hiking strengthen bones and muscles better than running on the treadmill or walking on city streets?
Hiking boosts bone density because it’s a weight-bearing activity. It improves balance because you’re moving up and down hills. It will strengthen your hip and leg muscles more effectively than walking on flat terrain.
Some studies have shown that hiking downhill can benefit heart health more than uphill climbs. Hiking involves uphill and downhill cardio-strengthening exercise. Hiking burns more calories than walking on city streets: a 5% increase in incline burns 30% more calories.
If you’re just beginning to hike, start slowly. A short, local hike is best for safety. Choose a trail with easy to moderate levels of difficulty.
Hiking can come with injury risks. Hiking injuries can include pulled hamstrings, twisted ankles, sore muscles, and even lost toenails. If you’ve started hiking and experienced problems or want to avoid them, contact us for a complimentary injury assessment today.
