Hiking and Mental Health

 The warm sunshine on your face, the sound of the wind rushing through the trees overhead, and the soft earthy feel of the trail under your boots. Not only are these experiences enjoyable to have, but they’re good for you, too.

Hiking is proven to have many health benefits, ranging from physical exercise you get when out on the trail, to emotional or mental relief that comes from being in nature.

                                Physical Exercise

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        Hiking is one of the best ways to get exercise. No matter         what type of trail you find yourself on, hiking is a                      great  whole-body workout—from head to toe and                    everything in between.

 

Check out all of these physical benefits of hiking:

Building stronger muscles and bones

Improving your sense of balance

Improving your heart health

Decreasing the risk of certain respiratory problems

Whether you find yourself scrambling up a steep incline or walking on a winding dirt path, hiking in nature's parks is the perfect opportunity to get a work out!

empathy expressed

 Mental Health

   Being in nature can boost your mood and improve mental                 health. Spending quality time in the great outdoors                             reduces stress, calms  anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of          depression, according to a study done by researchers    at Stanford  University. In addition to having mental health     benefits, being outdoors opens up your senses           to your     surroundings and improves your sensory perception. Taking in     the sights, smells, and feelings of nature has so many health benefits it can even be prescribed by a doctor.

Relational Health

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      You don’t have to go it alone next time you lace up your         hiking boots. Grab a friend, neighbor, or family                         member for more fun on the trail. Hiking with a                     partner, or even in a group, can  improve the                             strength and health of your relationships. Because                  hiking ranges in difficulty from an extremely challenging     climb to a casual way of spending time outside, it’s a                great way  strengthen the friendships or bonds you have with your companions. Whether it’s with a younger sibling, neighborhood friend, or even a grandparent, hiking a trail together can bring you closer and help build a healthy relationship.

 

Take a Hike

Nature's parks and their many health benefits are open to anyone, no matter who you are and where you come from. There are more than 400 nature's parks for you explore across the country, and each one presents its own unique opportunities for experiencing nature. Don’t be afraid to lace up your boots and grab a walking stick. The opportunities and benefits of hiking are waiting for you, all you have to do is go.

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Stanford research finding on mental health prescription: Nature