Hiking is one of the few activities that can actually improve your mental, physical and spiritual health and well being. Not to mention that it can be a welcome departure from your daily routine.
I make the time to put three or four trail miles under my feet at least twice a week. No need to plan an elaborate vacation around hiking, although I have. There are likely to be countless opportunities closer than you think. The state parks where I live are excellent.
Mentally, hiking gives you the space and time to figure things out. We get so involved with what’s happening in our lives that we lack the clarity to make good decisions. Take that time to think, or avoid thinking entirely. If you immerse yourself in the backcountry and shut up long enough to hear nature, something wonderful starts to happen.
Other important mental aspects of longer or more difficult hikes challenge you to negotiate obstacles like creek crossings and dealing with various types of terrain. After completing a challenging section of trail, you feel that there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. The difficulties of everyday life are put in perspective.
Improvements hiking can provide for your physical health are remarkable. Your resting blood pressure will decrease, eliminating hypertension, the heart muscle will strengthen preventing heart disease, you’ll see a noticeable increase in stamina and if you’re on a diet, hiking can help you lose weight.
Spiritually, we are of the earth. Learning about the earth, it’s plants, animals and precious natural resources, we begin to take responsibility for those resources and all who share them. Doing so, we make better decisions for a better future.
I can’t think of a more exciting family activity. I’ve seen hiking mend the rifts between father and son, husband and wife and the outdoor memories created among friends you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.
One of the best things about day hiking is that you don’t need much gear to get going. Before you head out on the trail, learn the basic Leave No Trace principles that will foster a safe and responsible outdoor experience. What are you waiting for? Go take a hike!
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