Mental Health Benefits of Hiking
Hike more, worry less. It’s not just a cute phrase. It’s true!
Here are some research-backed mental health benefits of hiking
- Hiking helps to keep you calm and happy.
Physical exercise is a great stress-reliever. Hiking is different from other forms of exercise in that it’s done in a natural outdoor setting. Research demonstrates that walking in green spaces helps us recover from “attention overload”—the mental fatigue that comes from living and working in a world of the constant distraction of technology and devices.
Being in nature induces a sense of peace and calm. Studies have found that people who spend time walking in nature are less anxious and ruminate less (thinking about the same worries or regrets repeatedly).
Researchers have also found that being in nature fosters feelings of awe. Hiking typically takes place in environments with many opportunities for seeking awe. Awe is a powerful emotion that has many benefits, including improving mood and decreasing negative thinking. Witnessing awe in nature induces peace.
- Hiking helps to keep your brain smart.
Through navigating landscape that is unpredictable and interesting, you keep your brain sharp. You need to pay attention to unstable rocks, slippery dirt, overhanging branches, bumpy roots, hidden obstacles, and even animals crossing your path. All of these things require big and small adjustments to movement and your body, which is good for your brain.
- Hiking helps your relationships.
Hiking with others fosters a sense of closeness. It’s a wonderful way to connect in a beautiful setting with the absence of distractions.
In one study, mothers and daughters who spent 20 minutes walking in an arboretum demonstrated improved interactions with each other. After walking in a natural setting, they demonstrated more connection and positive emotions. Other research indicates that being in nature fosters empathic, helpful, and generous behavior, which benefits our relationships.
Even hiking alone improves your relationships. When you’re finished and around people, you’re feeling less stress, and feeling refreshed. This is likely to improve your interactions with those around you, which in turn helps your relationships. You are also likely experiencing elevated mood which comes when we witness awe in nature.
- Hiking boosts your creativity.
Hiking decreases rumination and negative thinking, allowing the mind to wander. Also, since you’re not thinking about your worries, this leads to more space for creative thinking and improved problem solving to take place. This enhances mental health as creativity has been shown to be associated with wellness.
Calmness, healthy brain functioning, positive relationships, and creativity – these are powerful benefits of hiking. Each of these is also associated with positive mental health.
So if you’re looking for a mental health-promoting activity, take a hike!
Here are some resources regarding the power of nature, water, hiking, and trees for enhancing emotional well-being.
Book – Daniel Levitin, Successful Aging – benefits of hiking
https://www.amazon.com/Successful-Aging-Neuroscientist-Explores-Potential/dp/1524744204/
Book – Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Qing Li
Book – Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do by Wallace Nichols
Podcast – Live Happy Now podcast, “Embracing the Power of Nature” 7/12/22
Embracing the Power of Nature with Laura Allen and Courtney Crim
In Gratitude,
Peggy
PS – The topic in FEELING Good with Dr. Peggy for the month of May is the power of nature for mental health, including hiking. Everything is archived! So if you join the program now, you have access to everything posted since January, 2020. Click below to sign up for this affordable mental health program.
https://drpeggydelong.thinkific.com/courses/feeling-good-with-dr-peggy
For more methods for FEELING Good, check out my book!
FEELING Good: 35 Proven Ways to Happiness, Even During Tough Times
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