Few can deny the feeling of relaxation and peace that comes with being surrounded by nature. The sounds, smells, and sights that can only be found away from civilization profoundly affect our well-being and mental health.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed and overworked in today's society. It's common to work long hours, work overtime, and have multiple stressors affecting you every day. No wonder over 70% of people in America will experience some form of mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, at some point in their lives.
Luckily, many ways exist to relieve stress and improve mental and physical health. One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce feelings of overwhelm is to go hiking or backpacking!
Solo Backpacking and Hiking
Sometimes, getting away from everyone and everything can be nice for a little while. Going on a solo hike or backpacking trip can be a fantastic way to destress and reconnect with yourself and nature.
If you plan to hike alone, always tell someone where you'll be going. While solo backpacking can be a great way to disconnect from the world, it is essential to do so safely. Check out these tips on solo hiking safety to make the most of your hike.
National parks, nature trails, and nearby camping areas are great places to hike and backpack. While it can be exciting to venture into the unknown, stick to well-traveled areas clearly marked for your first few excursions.
This will ensure a good time and give you valuable knowledge and experience for future, more challenging hikes. Go slow and steady and enjoy nature's relaxing sights and sounds before you start pushing yourself.
Solo hiking can be an incredible and natural way to combat stress, anxiety, and depression. If you need additional mental health care or just an ear to listen, the team at MyTherapist can assist you.
Group Backpacking and Hiking
Some people may feel more comfortable hiking and backpacking in a group or with a few other people. Hiking with friends and family members can be a terrific way to foster and improve relationships and may help increase bonding.
Additionally, it can be an excellent way to learn more about the people you care about! Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city and the, at times, overwhelming amount of technology that our society lives with daily, it can be easier to have more meaningful conversations with those dearest to us.
For some, this unique way of bonding can significantly help improve mental health. By strengthening and reinforcing the bonds of family and friendship in such a setting, you may feel a sense of belonging, improved self-esteem, and increased self-worth.
Alternatively, if none of your friends or family members seem interested in hiking or backpacking, groups and clubs always accept new members. Check social media sites or community centers in your area to see if there are any open spots on an upcoming excursion. In addition to enjoying nature and feeling better, you might even forge new friendships and connections on your trip!
Benefits of Hiking and Backpacking
We often find ourselves unable or unwilling to give up our free time to engage fully with other people. Society has drilled into us that we are somehow less valuable if we aren't doing something productive.
This couldn't be further from the truth. It is vital to start caring for yourself and practicing self-care as often as possible. Hiking and backpacking offer a unique two-in-one experience in self-care, as they allow you to improve your mental and physical health simultaneously.
Here are some lasting benefits that hiking provides:
Physical Benefits
- Lower risk of heart disease.
- Improve cardiovascular health.
- Lower and manage blood sugar.
- Increases bone density.
- Build muscle strength.
- Improve balance.
- Helps with weight management and weight loss.
Mental Benefits
- Improves self-esteem.
- Reduces anxiety and depression.
- Improves sensory perception.
- Enhances cognitive abilities.
- It helps combat negative thoughts.
- It can relieve insomnia and boost sleep.
- Improves memory and brain function.
- Provides a sense of community and belonging.
- Provides a sense of accomplishment.
All of these incredible benefits can be received from short hikes as well as long backpacking trips. Studies have shown that a 90-minute hike away from an urban setting significantly impacts mood, well-being, and overall health.
It is essential to start slow and work your way up to more strenuous hikes. By starting on more accessible trails, you will feel accomplished at the end of them, encouraging you to continue your new hobby. It is better to ease your body into exercise rather than overexert yourself. Your body will appreciate the slow and steady approach.
Overnight trips are even more beneficial to your mental and physical well-being as they allow you to disconnect from technology and society and recharge yourself more fully. Try going on a nature hike once a week for at least 90 minutes and see the difference it makes in your life!
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This story is brought to you in partnership with MyTherapist.
