Hiking Wellness

As the evenings are still too long, I have more time to read and do the research on the topics, which I’m interested in. And surprise surprise….yes, HIKING is one of them!

This time, I did not plan any trips but I took a bit different perspective and looked at hiking from the other angle. Since I’m pretty rational person and love excel spreadsheets and scientific proofs, I was trying to find out, why I feel so good when I’m outdoors and why am I so nervous and I can’t sit still when I’m at home whole day without going out. Could it be an ‘outdoors addiction’…?!

The truth is, that I found few researches on this topic and interestingly, many of them were focused on necessity to have parks in urban areas due to health benefits from hiking, walking or running.

So what are the top 5 reasons why hiking is the perfect activity?

PHYSICAL BENEFITS / WORKOUT: You know it if you feel muscle pain next day 😊 However even without the muscle pain, hiking improves your cardiovascular performance, tones your muscles, increases your strength and endurance. The fact that terrain varies and is uneven, has got even more positive impact and your body uses 20+% of energy more than walking on flat (research conducted by University of Florida). On the top of it, I know, many think that trekking poles are not cool, but reading various researches, all agree on these two points: it releases the strain from your back and legs and can help you to burn additional 20-40% calories. I let you do the math. And I have to say, for longer hikes or when I feel tired, I use poles, as it gives me additional support.
MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS: My mind is always onto something. Car needs to change winter tires, have to call my dentist for an appointment, have to prepare breakfast, need to go grocery shopping, forgot to pay bills, toilet broke down, friends bday is coming up, … constant buzz in my head. Going out is my therapy. Just imagine, walking through the woods, hearing the wind in the trees, the birds singing and water running next to the trail… That is better than any other ambience or relaxation music. Yes, I’m getting to the point. Hiking reduces stress, anxiety and feelings of depression. What I also like and never really thought about it before is that it improves practicing presence. I keep returning to the past or thinking what I do tomorrow but while I’m hiking, I really enjoy the moment, the presence.
IMPROVES SKILLS such as PROBLEM SOLVING & CREATIVITY: According to the study by University of Florida, Hiking boosts your creativity. Hikers, who spent four days outdoors, away from technology, gained from nature enhanced creativity and problem solving skills. These hikers performed problem solving tasks 50% more effectively, which is incredible!
SOCIAL ELEMENT: it brings us together. Human being works the best in the pack. And especially during this crazy time, when social distancing is overruling our natural behavior and we can’t be together. Have to say that we are lucky here in Switzerland, and outdoors activities are not forbidden and are considered safe. I’m super happy that we can still be somehow social and meet our friends.
GOOD NIGHT SLEEP: that is absolutely my favorite. When I come home from hike, I look forward to take shower, good food and warm bed (in exact order). Simple as that. Sometimes I have a feeling, that I don’t even lay down and I’m already sleeping. And believe me, the sleep after being outdoors is the best (without any crazy dreams, just sleep).

If I summarize it, hiking is considered as a wellness activity, which is basically a combination of physical activity with positive impact on mind and soul.