Why I joined 52 hike challenge

Hiking (and any other sport in nature) hugely impacts our body and soul. I developed passion for it not because I knew benefits, but because it is in my blood since my family has always spent lot of time in the mountains. For that specific reason, this activity makes me feel home. Second reason, because I moved to Switzerland, to one of the best hiking playground I could have imagined. It would be almost a sin not to hike here. And I have to say that I’m very grateful for it.

Some time ago I deep dived into Hiking Wellness, to understand why I feel so well after a day in the mountains (outside of my personal feeling of home) and shared the post, which describes all different benefits. But today, I would like to focus only on the impact on mental health. As per many research papers I got to read, hiking reduces stress, anxiety and feelings of depression.

Being in nature generally has very CALMING EFFECT on us. It creates a sense of peace, it slows us down. It makes our mind ESCAPE from everyday STRESS, REDUCES MENTAL FATIGUE and it brings our thoughts onto POSITIVE path. I don’t even have to go on with the reasons. Just go out and try yourself. Take a deep breath, sit down on a bench or grass and listen to the wind in the trees, to singing birds, to water in the streams. Sit down and watch the rolling clouds or just enjoy the view at the mountains and landscape around. And it cost nothing! Just the will to go out.

During the lockdown, I realised that being outdoors is a must to keep my mind healthy and sane. I felt many times overwhelmed by the fact that everything is happening in my home. Home became office, gym, canteen, language school, restaurant, bar, place to virtually hang out with friends and family… since there is not many options how to balance it out, go to the cinema, eat in nice restaurant, go to the museum, meet up with friends without stress, without counting, how many of us it is, nature turned to my best and great escape and very needed computer detox.

When January came, I could not deal anymore with cold, dark mornings and evenings, grey days, not seeing my family for Christmas and having all restrictions due to Covid. I needed commitment, which brings me outdoors on regular basis. I needed a goal to look forward every single week.

As many of us, I also struggle with motivation, with creating routine and with sticking to my plans even when the weather forecast is not showing 100% sun and warm temperatures.

And therefore I joined 52 hike challenge 😊 One hike a week for a year.

I find this initiative really great.

What are your struggles? How do you cope with them?