6 Ways Hiking Can Benefit You
Hiking is a perfect way to escape into our favorite outdoor spaces, but that’s not the only reason it’s one of our favorite hobbies. There are 6 benefits to hiking that, subconsciously or not, keep us coming back for more!
Find Community and New Friendships
Searching for the kind of friends that are down to wake up early to witness the sunrise at a spectacular vista or hike to a breathtaking waterfall for a swim? The search is over! Now, you can connect with other adventurous women through the Women’s Hiking Crew website and Facebook Group. These new friends are patiently waiting for you on the trail with open arms!
Save Some Money
Hiking won’t cost you much more than a sturdy pair of shoes and the gas to get to the trailhead. On top of being outdoors and having fun, once you start hiking in your free time, you may find yourself with some extra cash in your wallet.
Nah, let’s skip that pricy brunch spot and have some homemade sandwiches on a mountain somewhere.
Experience New Places
In Cheryl Strayed’s novel, Wild, she writes: “There's always a sunrise and always a sunset and it's up to you to choose to be there for it,' said my mother. 'Put yourself in the way of beauty.” The trail won’t always be easy, but new and beautiful places are waiting for you to arrive!
Improve Physical Health
You'll visit amazing places on your hikes and feel great doing it! Hiking is a fun way to stay active and become your strongest self. You’re actually going to love this workout so much you won’t even think of it as a labor of getting fit. I mean it… This isn’t an infomercial.
Strengthen Existing Relationships
Who wants to go hike to a cool lookout? Me! Me! Me!
Grab your parents, your sibling, your partner, or a good friend you haven’t seen in awhile for a day outdoors. Disconnected from everyday stressors, you’ll be more available to reconnect with whoever you’re hiking with. Awww.
Clear Your Mind
Fresh air, sunshine, and the sounds of nature all around. Don’t you feel at ease already? In the book, The Nature Fix, Florence Williams talks about how spending only 15 minutes outside a day can make you happier. We believe it! Getting outdoors for a hike is a great way to declutter your headspace and encourage positive thinking.
Emily is a freelance travel and outdoor recreation writer for hire. Samples of her published work can be found at emilylorenwriting.com.