3 Great Reasons To Try Hiking

Is the daily grind overwhelming you? If the answer is YES, you are not alone.  In today’s busy world there is an increase in the number of people feeling disconnected and stressed. Interestingly, research is discovering that day hiking can balance and lessen stress in our everyday lives.  In fact, scientists are beginning to show strong links between mental health, happiness, and the natural world.    

This fall, HIKEhoppers joined the MN Hiking Club.  We didn’t need research to tell us it would help us reconnect; we experienced the benefits firsthand. Our bodies became stronger, we were able to de-stress faster, and we began to feel more balanced.  Hiking became “Chicken Soup” for our souls.  Day hiking is an activity that most anyone can partake in and it may be one of the answers you are looking for.  Here are three great reasons to try day hiking:

1. Hiking Strengthens The Body #LetsHikeMN

• Hiking is a weight-bearing activity that strengthens muscles and increases bone density in the body.  
• Hiking decreases tension by helping the body release anxiety-accumulated adrenaline from muscles, lessening the effects of stress on the body.  
• Hiking activities will burn approximately 100 more calories an hour than low impact aerobics, which improves cardio-respiratory fitness (heart, lungs, and blood vessels). 

​    2. Hiking Calms The Mind #LearningMN

• Outdoor learning can help lessen symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADD).
• Outdoor learning builds confidence, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Outdoor learning is project-based/hands-on and stimulates creativity.​

                                                                                                                           
3. Hiking Feeds The Soul #BWellMN

• Hiking is a form of walking meditation.  As the mind focuses on the movement of the body, the mind relaxes and calms.
• Hiking is a mindfulness-based activity that helps de-stress the mind, leading to health benefits for the body.
• Hiking has been linked to our mental well-being and can help decrease thoughts that can lead to depression and anxiety.​

Before heading out for a hike, think about finding and reading a few inspirational quotes that you can ponder.  Here are three to get you started. Your soul will thank you!

Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity… ― John Muir

Now I see the secret of making the best person, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.  –Walt Whitman

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread.  –Edward Abbey

We invite all you to join the HIKEhoppers Community!  Post YOUR day hike experiences on our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @hikehoppers. We also hope you will join us annually for our Park Hop Event with Stearns County Parks and CentraCare BLEND
​​