Episode 27…Hiking has so many benefits, but it can be intimidating to get started. Don’t let that stop you. Here are 5 essential reasons to take a hike.
But first, what is a mindful hike?
Mindful hiking, by my definition, is a portal to mental clarity and mental freedom, it’s setting an intention and being consciously aware of your body and your breath while walking in nature.
- It’s a way to feel grounded, connected, aligned with your intuition or internal compass
- Hiking releases stress and anxiety, and cultivates your inner strength
- Mindful hiking is a process of being truly present and more aware, both within and outside yourself
There are 5 main reasons why you should go on a mindful hike.
1. Body
There are so many physical benefits of hiking! Here are just a few:
- Improves blood pressure + blood sugar levels
- Increases your bone density
- Strengthens your core + leg muscles
- Improves balance
- Lowers your risk of heart disease
- Burn a ton of calories! Especially with a pack on your back!
2. Mental + Emotional Health
Hiking and being in nature boosts mood, reduces stress, and can lower risk of depression. It calms the brain linked to mental illness and reduces the mind’s tendency towards negative thought patterns. It even reduces overthinking.
3. Mindfulness
Hiking helps bring you to the present moment. I’ve found the more difficult the hike, the easier it is for me to drop into the present moment. All of the trivial and not so trivial worries fall to the wayside. I am fully dropped in and engaged into what is happening before me and I’m checking in with my body.
4. Confidence
Hiking cultivates confidence. You learn you are capable of so much more than you think. You believe and build trust within yourself
5. Resiliency + Grit
Hiking and outdoor challenges helps you get comfortable being uncomfortable. When you challenge yourself in the outdoors, this translates into every area of your life. Suddenly, every day challenges seem less challenging.
You can reflect and reference back to the time when you pushed through that hard climb and reached your summit. When you are learning new things, you reflect and know you’ve accomplished challenging things in the past, and you keep going.
You remember you are learning, you remember to have patience with yourself, and you are okay with not getting it right the first time.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Free Strategy Call with Haley HERE
- Sign up Sheet for The Empowered Adventurer Community on Circle HERE
- Get your Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mindful Hiking HERE
