Benefits of Hiking
"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous."
- Aristotle
Hiking is one of the great natural medicines that we rarely take advantage of. The benefits it has on us encompasses several important areas in our lives yet so few of us realize this.
From physical health to our mental well-being, hiking has a healing effect. With that being said, Below is a list of some of the perks of hiking that we hope will encourage you to take part in the activity more often, even if it's only once in a while.
Good for health
Whether spiritual, emotional or physical, walking amongst the green has been shown to improve our lives in these areas. Countless studies have linked hiking to a decrease in stress levels, the release of anger and uplifting from depression.
If losing weight is one of your goals, trudging through terrain can be a great tool to encourage you there. Studies have estimated that an hour of hiking can potentially burn up somewhere between 400 and 600 calories an hour. While hiking alone is not the be all end all solution to weight loss, hiking once or twice a week can greatly help you step in the right direction and fill you with the positivity needed for improving oneself.
New experiences
Some of the most amazing things you can experience in your life can only be achieved through hiking.
Things are always better seen in person rather than in a picture or video. Actually, being there in that moment, taking everything in; the landscape, the sounds, the sensations, the experience... nothing could replicate that feeling you get while taking the most primal mode of transportation.
The reward you get hiking is both the journey and its final destination. Nothing beats the gradual build-up in excitement during a hike as you get closer and closer to your destination and, upon reaching your destination, you feel accomplished knowing that you have achieved what you set out to do, and it makes you feel alive.
The best scenery is always waiting for those who are willing to take time out to trek the journey.
Tickles creativity
When going hiking you get a chance to clear your mind of all the distractions of daily life. Getting away from all the texts, notifications, emails and all the other buzz of modern society will give your mind a chance to recharge and refocus.
The fresh air and Vitamin D we get while hiking also helps our brains perform better.
Being in the office all day or being stuck in traffic for hours, these things block your creativity and serve as thought nullifiers and frustrations for us. A short hike will do wonders for your mind and soul. We invite you to get some fresh air.
A great social activity with friends
So its Saturday, you and your friends want to do something for the weekend but you're short on cash. Well going on a hike together might just be the perfect solution to your problem.
Not only is a hike always more fun with friends, but it is also a pretty cheap activity to do. Most Hiking trails are free to enter or have a pretty small entrance fee.
Experience a country in a whole new way
When visiting a new country, you should always dedicate a portion of your trip to going on natural trails. On these trails, you get to experience a country in a whole new way. The part of it that wasn't altered for guests. Many of the best locations for many countries are only accessible through hiking.
Conclusion
The reasons mentioned above are only some of the benefits you get when you adventure on foot. So whenever you have some spare time and are looking for an activity to engage in, you should consider going on a hiking trip. You would be surprised at the places you find and the fresh, exciting things you'll experience.
Also, if you're ever visiting Belize. you should consider joining us at Awe Jungle to Davis Falls. We offer a good amount of amazing hiking with an even more amazing destination.
When going hiking don't forget to take water with you to stay hydrated.