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2. Hiking reduces anxiety
Though part of the beauty of hiking is admiring the world around you, if you don’t want to, um, fall off a mountain, you have to pay attention to where you’re walking. Regardless if it’s flat terrain or a hilly stretch, hiking helps us to stay centered and focused in real time, says Chris Fagan, author, adventurer, and founder of Sparkfire. After all, if you are giving all of your attention to remaining safe, you have little time to worry about what happened a week ago, or the big meeting you have coming up. Since many people battle anxiety, and struggle with letting go and living life, being immersed in nature can instantly calm us as we tune in to what’s around us.
One way to do this is to use all of your senses during a hike, says Serena Poon, a chef, nutritionist, and Reiki healer. “Focus on how the crisp air feels against your face, the sound of the leaves rustling, and the all-encompassing calm,” she says. In a sense, this meditation-lite, and can be done while hiking or during a rest break.
