Five ways hiking is good for you
Life is stressful. That’s why I hike.
I started hiking regularly a few years ago, shortly after the adoption of my first rescue pup, Murphy. At the time, his foster home had been taking him on 10+ mile runs a day (nope.) and he had a lot of energy to burn. It was a way to combat his energy as well as the many behavioral issues he came with as a formerly abused shelter dog.
Now, I can’t imagine a life where I’m not regularly hiking.
Hiking isn’t just great exercise, it has a lot of other health and well-being benefits, too. Here are my top five reasons for hiking:
1. It’s meditative.
When I’m out in the woods, I’m nowhere else. That time out in nature allows you to clear your mind and focus on the task at hand.
2. It boosts energy.
After a hike, especially on a crisp, fall day, I’m ready to tackle more projects. According to this blog, hitting the trail works out your body as much as it does your brain.
3. It has the obvious health benefits.
Hiking burns between 300 and 500 calories per hour, depending on how strenuous of a hike you’re doing. Plus, after a good hike, you’re looking at a better night’s sleep.
4. It gives you a creativity boost.
Disconnecting from the world a little bit gives you the opportunity to think in ways you don’t during the day, thus leading to some maybe particularly crazy ideas. This blog was thought up entirely during an afternoon hike, by the way!
5. Happy dogs, happy owner.
Humans aren’t the only ones that benefit from a day in the woods: Dog owners will find that, not only are their dogs getting great exercise, they’re learning some good habits as well. Hikes are a great opportunity to teach dogs recall techniques, and how to properly interact with other people and animals you may encounter on the trail.
Here’s a photo of my adventure buddy on our hike today:
Absolutely agree with all the points! I try to hike at least a few times a year, it gives amazing results both for body and for mind.
Aww your doggy is so cute! I like walking through forests and the views from the top of a hill make all the effort worthwhile! I am pretty lazy though, I should get out & about more 🙂
I probably the only person that has never been hiking before. LOL! I mean, I have walked up a steep road or climbed up a tower or two, but never really “hike”, like in the hills or woods. And actually never really think about the other benefits from hiking beside for exercising. The idea of clearing my mind with hiking is probably something I need right now. xx
Totally agree with all your points! Currently hiking our way through National Parks in the US and really enjoying it. Especially love just taking in sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors.
I love hiking and I’m happy we live just next to a small mountain. Every time I take a hike 🙂 I always end up sleeping well
i love hiking and i absolutely agree with you!! its so good for our mind and our body!! keep hiking my dear 🙂
The way you’ve described hiking and the benefits sound a lot like how I feel about Yoga! 🙂 I love that you take your dog on hikes, I really should take my dogs on some easy flat hikes to get them out more – they’re dachshunds so have teensy little legs haha. Don’t think they’d cope well with big hikes!
OOh, you forgot the gorgeous vistas!! I wonder if I can rent a dog for a hike?
Agree 100%. Living in the Midwest USA where it’s completely flat, it’s hard to get out for good hikes, but I had the opportunity to hike Trolltunga in Norway this summer and LOVED it! Would highly recommend it for you if you haven’t been yet. I did see some a few people out there with their dogs too 🙂
Aww what a cute dog you have! I absolutely love hiking, its one of my favourite things to do. Whenever I plan a trip I make sure that there’s somewhere nearby I can escape and take a hike, so definitely agree with you here!
Pingback: The importance of disconnecting