Health & Wellbeing

Why Hiking is good for Mental Health

Hiking in the great outdoors means adventure, stunning scenery and great physical exercise. But that’s not all! Breathing clean, fresh air and being at one with nature in beautiful surroundings, offers a number of benefits for our mental health and wellbeing.

Here’s how hiking is good for your mental health.

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Hiking helps us unplug and switch off

Modern day technology means we live in an “always on” culture. Whether it’s constantly checking work emails or dealing with other issues on the go, it’s becoming harder and harder to escape the pressures of modern life. Heading out for a day’s hike means a mental break and relief from those stresses. You can’t reply to an email and take in beautiful scenery at the same time, nor as you summit a mountain. Even if you could, you’re not likely to have a mobile reception in remote areas, meaning a total escape from everyday life and its pressures.

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Green Exercise boosts mood

Regular exercise is shown to have a profound effect on our mental health, with some studies even finding exercise equally as effective at treating depression as medication. Physical exercise helps us sleep better, reduces stress, anxiety and depression and boosts overall m ood. What’s more, a growing body of evidence suggests that “green exercise” in nature amplifies this effect, delivering a serious mental pick-me-up.

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Photo by NEOM on Unsplash

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Hiking reconnects us with nature

Whether it’s taking in fresh air, beholding stunning mountain views or hiking along trails dappled with sunshine and birdsong, hiking helps to put us back in touch with our primary senses and brings us closer to nature and our immediate surroundings. This gives us a mental “time out” and promotes a calmer, more tranquil state of mind.

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Hiking boosts our confidence

Hiking means making an effort and purpose, whether that’s hiking up a mountain, crossing tricky terrain or navigating to a destination. That, in turn, means focus and a deserved sense of achievement as well as a boost to our self-esteem when we successfully achieve those goals.

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Hiking makes us feel alive

Taking in vast, beautiful and remote scenery with the breeze in our hair and sun on our face is exhilarating, makes us feel at one with the world and gives us a renewed sense of perspective. Many hikers report back on a sense of being a part of something much larger than our everyday existence. That feeling of “being alive” and in the moment gives us distance from everyday worries and stresses and they’ll definitely seem far less significant or worrisome at the end of your hike.

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Photo by photo nic on Unsplash

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Share the experience

Hiking is an all-inclusive outdoor activity and a great way to spend some quality time with your partner, friends and family, or even just your dog! Switch off and unwind together by enjoying beautiful scenery and everything that nature has to offer. Walking and hiking are also great ways to explore your local area and discover new and exciting places. Strengthen your relationships by sharing the trail and enjoying new experiences with your loved ones. You can even plan exciting hikes together and share the satisfaction of reaching an impressive mountain summit or by simply completing your own planned adventures.

Check out komoot - a dedicated route planning and navigation app which allows you to create your own walks and also connect with the wider hiking community for tips, routes and inspiration. It’s also particularly useful when visiting new or unfamiliar areas, because there will undoubtedly be a wealth of suggested routes and highlights for you to explore and enjoy.

Join our dedicated Sportsshoes Komoot page to help get you started!

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Capture the moment

Every walk or hike will have its highlights and spending time outdoors will provide you with plenty of opportunity to capture stunning views and precious moments. Why not pack your camera and practise your photography skills whilst you’re out exploring? Your photographs will serve as memories and remind you of all those special moments and experiences - perfect for when you’re having a bad day and really need to boost your mood.

Remember - Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking boots and head for the outdoors. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

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Want to learn more? Visit our Health and Wellbeing category to help look after your body, mind and personal safety with our expert advice and guidance.