The benefits of hiking
Hiking can be a fun, family or group bonding experience or a solitary adventure. People hike for a variety of reasons and there are hiking opportunities everywhere on the globe. You might not even be aware of some of the benefits you receive while hiking-
Check out a few of the benefits below and then get out there and explore!
*If you’re in need of appropriate hiking gear- check out our hiking gear recommendations!
1. A sense of belonging- we are all interconnected in this world and that is never more apparent than when we are out hiking in the natural world. The interdependence of beings becomes more personal when you are among the plants and animals & witness to the connections.
2. An appreciation for the natural world-you can’t help but fall in love with the beauty of nature when you take the time to explore it using all of your senses. The future stewards of the environment are those that have experienced the beauty and found joy in the discoveries. (Please take kids hiking, they are our future!)
3. Calming and mood enhancing-when your life gets a bit too hectic and you need to find peace, taking a hike can be a game changer. Breathe in the air and feel your shoulders relax and a sense of peace come over you. (We highly recommend using the outdoors as a detox from the technology from today’s world!)
4. Coordination and balance-while hiking you will most likely encounter uneven terrain. Your body must adapt to the changes in elevation and different surfaces, helping further develop strength in leg muscles and your sense of balance.
5.Attention span and attention to details-walking in nature opens your eyes up to details you might not notice while indoors. The color variations in nature are incredible and your eye is drawn to minute differences and similarities. Children attend longer and focus more intently while hiking-often noticing things and pointing them out to adults accompanying them.
6. Wonderment and curiosity-nature is forever changing and the same hiking trail can look completely different just a few weeks later due to seasonal changes & weather patterns. There is always something to spark your curiosity and make you stop and wonder.
Have fun on your hike!
Check out our fun and easy hiking games to enjoy on your adventures!
And be sure to check out our hiking books and songs for more fun hiking ideas and inspiration!
