If you work in an office for eight hours every day, with no physical activity, chances are you are looking for a change in scenery by the end of the week. You want to do something different, something that will not only help you de-stress after working long hours but also encourage body movement.
One great activity you can try is hiking. The sounds of roaring engines, phone calls, and an irate boss will all pale in comparison to the sights and sounds of birds chirping, as well as the feel of warm natural sunlight on your face and the fresh air from trees that surround your soul.
Hiking has many benefits that are too good to pass up, so get ready to lace up your boots and enjoy the physical and mental gifts a natural mountain park can offer.
A More Natural Workout
Walking is indeed a good exercise, but climbing rocks, uneven surfaces, and slopes means that your body is exerting 28% more effort compared to walking on flat ground. This means that you exercise your core and leg muscles, bones and joints, and improve your balance and cardiovascular health.
The activity your body undergoes during a hike also helps you burn those excess calories and reduce the chances of heart disease and obesity. But before taking a hike, be sure to warm up those legs first, especially if you are inexperienced or have not used your leg muscles in a while.
A Relaxing Form of Stress Relief
You can sometimes associate stress with your surroundings, such as feeling pressure in the office space or from your team. Being exposed to nature and its characteristics is known to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. Spending time in nature relaxes the brain and brings down the negative mood, according to a 2015 study by Stanford University in 2015.
Hiking also improves perception and heightens your senses, giving you increased awareness and sensory. Aside from being a good distraction, hiking is also an effective activity for people fresh out of drug or alcohol rehab in Pocatello, helping their urges go away. Pocatello has numerous trails such as the Crestline, Roosevelt, and Cone, which offer hiking trails for beginners and experts alike, further giving you a chance to bask in the sights, smells, and sounds nature has to offer.
A Perfect Bonding Experience
Hiking already has benefits even when done alone, but these benefits are amplified when you are with friends or family. Having company does not just mean safety and security (having a helping hand in case of emergency or injury). It also strengthens your relationships and bonds with the people you are doing it with.
So, hiking is an excellent alternative if you and your friends or family are tired of watching television or sick of the internet. If you are bored, literally go and take a hike. You will not regret it.
Aside from the locations listed above, there are over 400 national parks scattered across the country with various terrains and scenery, which means taking a hike is easily accessible and offers plenty of benefits for people of all age groups and conditions.
A hike atop a mountain can give you breathtaking views and an experience unmatched by urban sprawls while at the same time, improving both your physical and mental health. A good hike is for everyone. All you have to do is lace up your boots, gear up, and enjoy an experience you will never regret.
