Health benefits of hiking

When some think of hiking, they usually imagine a healthy person, most probably fit and well-grounded. Some might think of hiking as a sport or activity that healthy people undergo as a way to spend time in the nature, seeing places and even connect with their friends. Cleveland Clinic says in the first lines of an article, titled 9 Benefits of Hiking that going hiking can greatly improve the way you feel, enhance your sleep and reduce the risk of developing heart problems.

Remember how the last time you spent a day in nature left you. Was it pleasantly tired? Sunlight, in combination with good unpolluted fresh air and physical exercise can leave us feeling yearning for a good night sleep. This is because all the mentioned above help regulate our internal clock and recalibrate it, as it is most probable disrupted and offset from all the hours spent in front of screens and stress producing environments, like work, traffic our cramped apartments away from nature.

Hiking for health and happiness - Hiking is probably most known for its ability to reduce stress, improve happiness and as part of a healthy lifestyle. Forward into this article, we will try to explore the correlation between hiking, good sleep, health and happiness.

How does hiking relieve stress

Hiking is for many, the go to stress relieving method. As said above, exposure to nature, sunlight, good air and moderate physical exercise generates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Seeing trees, green leaves, hearing chirping birds and smelling the freshness of the air lowers blood pressure and stops the production of stress associated hormones. Combine this with physical activity which is known to reduce cortisol (a stress related hormone) and the release of endorphins (which are associated with positive thinking and happiness), hiking becomes a champion in the fight with stress and anxiety.

What many people witness during more than three hour long hiking sessions is that they involuntary enter a mindful state of mind. This happens because doing long repetitive and low fear activities that are rhythmic can induce a mindful state of being.

Most of the time we feel good after exercise not only because of the good chemical and hormones our body produces but also because we feel we have accomplished something that contributes to our health. Hiking increases self worth and gives us a sense of achievement, similar to going to the gym, swimming or practicing other sports.

Why is hiking good for brain

Well, a relaxed mind is a healthy mind, as stress is some of the most prevalent cause of mental fatigue and illness. The process of hiking brings many benefits for our brain health, many of which we will discuss in the following lines.

As stated previous, exercises like hiking can reduce mental fatigue. By spending quality time outdoors one can reduce mental fatigue and recharge his batteries. The soothing effects of open nature on the mind allow our brains to relax and recover from the everyday modern effects.

Hiking might also improve our mood, increase cognitive function, promote neuroplasticity and improve sleep quality.

Hiking for health and happiness

Considered a full body workout, hiking is not only good for your mood but also offers a good amount of health benefits for brain, hearth and overall wellbeing. So whenever you feel stressed or you seek a better alternative for better sleep, give hiking a try. Here is a condensed list of all the awesome health benefits hiking has to offer:

• Enhanced Flexibility and Balance

• Increased Bone Density

• Immune System Boost

• Physical Fitness

• Mental Health Boost

• Cognitive Benefits

• Social Connection

• Mindfulness and Meditation

Who would have taught a walk in nature can have this many health benefits. So there it is: a great package filled with relaxation, physical exercise, joy and wonder. All that remains to do now is to grab those hiking shoes and let nature do the work for you. You'll be surprised how good you'll feel after joust a couple of hours of hiking.

Correlations between hiking and good sleep

This post would not have been complete without analysis the connection between sleep and hiking a bit further. There is indeed a close connection between putting those dusty hiking boots on and a better sleep the following night, as you probably noticed by now.

The obvious cause for a better sleep after going hiking is exercise induced fatigue. Hiking is indeed a exercise that tires the body in a healthy, sustained and natural way. This physical exertion makes it easier to fall asleep and have a resting uninterrupted sleep.

Your circadian rhythm is probably messed up as a result of your busy day routine and blue screen exposure, coming from all the devices you use on regular basis. Exposure to natural sunlight during hiking not only fills you up with vitamin D but also regulates your circadian rhythm and encourages melatonin production (Melatonin is essential for a good night's sleep).

Good sleep and stress don't mix up together right? Well, because hiking is proven to reduce stress levels, it may help you to fall asleep faster and give those disruptive unending thoughts a rest.

Hiking is more than just a way to spend time in nature and catch up with your friends. It can be a wonderful tool for better sleep, great way to relax and can bring you a wide array of natural health benefits.