Take a Hike
I just love getting outside and taking a walk. It could be just a nice stroll around my neighborhood, or a hike in the woods. There’s just something about being outside, enjoying nature. Right now, with everyone spending much more time indoors at home, I feel it is even more important to get outdoors, even for a few minutes, to do us some good. But just what is it about being outside and getting some exercise and fresh air that makes us feel better? We all know walking is good for our heart and lungs, but I decided to do a little research to find out what else it can do for us. Here are a few good reasons to head outside and take a hike.
The first thing I discovered is probably obvious, but walking outside reduces stress. I read about a study where participants who got outside and enjoyed nature on a regular basis had lower levels of cortisol than people who did not. Cortisol is a hormone often used as a stress marker. Being outside enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature is therapeutic. Even just a short walk around the block a couple of times can make us feel more calm and relaxed. Sounds great to me!
Being outdoors helps us feel a connection with nature and its Creator. We feel a connection to something bigger than ourselves, stabilizing our mood and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. I know when I go on a hike or a walk around the neighborhood, I take time to notice the trees, flowers, and the sounds of the birds chirping. I immediately feel a sense of peace and a thankfulness to God for his beautiful creation around me. When I stand outside on a clear night and gaze up at the stars, I feel refreshed and vital. I look in awe of the vastness of the universe around me, feeling small but part of the scheme of things. Studies show that walks in the forest were associated with decreased levels of anxiety. Taking in nature really restores our mental energy, leaving us refreshed and revitalized.
A walk outside could improve our concentration, and thinking skills. A recent study involving college students showed that when they were asked to repeat sequences of numbers by memory, they were much more accurate at performing this task after they had a 20 minute walk in nature. Other studies have shown that being in nature improves problem-solving skills and creativity! It could be that the brain is actually using different areas to think when we are outside. Whatever the case, all I know is when I go outside I just feel sharper and more clear-headed.
Taking a hike or a walk can make us feel more positive. Many studies have shown that when people spend time each day outside, even just a few minutes, their personal well-being and feelings of happiness increase. I truly feel there is a connection between nature and happiness. I personally feel that we were meant to get outside and enjoy the world! Think about the feeling of warm sand on your feet, the spray of ocean mist on your face, the crisp air in the forest, or a towering mountain in front of you. Just the thought of those things makes me feel happy! I happen to love to kayak. I love the feeling of gliding across the water with the warm sun on my skin, watching the birds dive to get a fish. Whatever you enjoy doing outside, whether it is golf, tennis, fishing or gardening, I happen to think that one of the main reasons you enjoy it is that feeling you get from being outside!
With everything going on in our world today, we can feel stressed, worried and overwhelmed. Let’s all take time each day to get outside and take a walk, or even venture out and find a great hiking trail. Maybe find a fishing hole, or head to the park. Remember that God has given us a beautiful world to enjoy! It will go a long way towards increased vitality, positivity and help keep us happy, healthy and at peace!
