Take a Hike! The Benefits of Connecting with Nature

Why Hike?

New studies suggest that spending time in outdoor settings can reduce stress, promote physical and mental well-being, and that developing a connection with nature increases resilience to factors that contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. In other words, we all need to take a hike! Let’s face it, we are feeling more stress than ever before. Stress levels, particularly for younger folks, has remained high since the COVID-19 pandemic. Half of us have reported feeling some stress, anxiety, and/or depression in the last year. Financial woes, isolation, and media negativity have all contributed to a generational malaise. 

Hiking in the U.S.

Luckily, there are tens of thousands of miles of developed trails in the United States that over 50 million people enjoy each year! Hiking is a low-cost, highly accessible outdoor recreation activity with a highly engaged, welcoming community. Short hikes, long hikes, multi-day hikes…no matter the distance the experience will feed your sense of wonder! Hikes will also deepen your appreciation of nature, grow your connection to the living Earth, and promote your physical and mental well-being. 

Connect with Nature: Hug a Tree…or Not

What does connecting with nature really mean, anyway? Basically, connecting with nature refers to how much a person feels they belong in nature or are a part of the natural world. This sense of belonging stems from a deep psychological and emotional bond with the natural world, and encompasses feelings of awe, peace, and interconnectedness with the environment. This connection nurtures our sense of belonging and helps us understand the intricate relationship between humans and nature.

Nature gives perspective

Being connected to nature means feeling at home in the great outdoors. It means finding solace in its beauty, and recognizing our place within it. It’s like feeling a sense of calmness wash over you when surrounded by trees, mountains, rivers, and oceans. Connection to nature is understanding that we are a part of something much larger than ourselves. And this is where the magic of nature happens. Natural spaces make us feel significant and anonymous, big and small, seen and unseen all at the same time. 

Nature gives joy

A major benefit of connecting with nature is the sheer joy of it. Being surrounded by the beauty and splendor and novelty of the natural environment. But if that’s not enough to get you outside, a mounting body of evidence indicates that more time spent in nature has positive impacts on both physical and mental health. From lower heart rate, better balance, and stronger bones to increased ability to focus, elevated mood, and lower stress, your time spent outside is the new me time! If you are worried that developing a connection to nature involves hugging trees, fear not, tree hugging is not required–unless you want to reach around and give one a squeeze of course 😉 

Hike Your Way to Health

We can all take a hike! Hiking is simply walking outside! Trails, paths, sidewalks, boardwalks, and even abandoned roads all provide pathways that can lead us to experience some of the benefits that come from connecting with nature. In fact, hiking is something anyone can do to build their connection with the natural world. Additionally, hiking is an accessible, low-cost outdoor activity with a growing and enthusiastic community ready to welcome newcomers! If you are new to hiking check out my post on the 6 Essential Tips for Beginner Hikers to help you have a safe and enjoyable stroll! 

Physical health benefits

There are a number of physical benefits to be gained from even a short hike. Like walking, hiking is an aerobic exercise that strengthens the heart. It improves circulation which lowers the risk of heart-related diseases and stroke. Uneven terrain and changes in elevation that occur along hiking trails engages muscles throughout the body improving balance and helping tone muscles.

Additionally, on longer hikes you will carry a pack or water making it a weight-bearing activity, which helps to increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The repetitive motion of walking uphill also enhances joint flexibility and stability. Moreover, spending time outdoors exposes hikers to natural sunlight, aiding in the production of vitamin D, essential for bone health and overall well-being. Overall, hiking provides a holistic approach to fitness, promoting physical health while immersing individuals in the beauty of the natural world. 

Mental health benefits

Hiking not only nourishes the body but also nurtures the mind. Immersing yourself in nature while hiking provides a powerful antidote to the stresses of modern life, fostering a sense of calm and tranquility. The serene surroundings and rhythmic movement of walking help to alleviate anxiety and reduce symptoms of depression, promoting a more positive outlook on life.

Moreover, hiking in natural environments has been shown to enhance cognitive function, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The sensory experience of being surrounded by trees, wildlife, and fresh air engages the mind in a way that rejuvenates and refreshes, offering a much-needed escape from the pressures of daily routines. In essence, hiking serves as a therapeutic journey for the mind, offering solace, clarity, and rejuvenation amidst the beauty of the great outdoors.

All About the Journey

Hiking is not a race. It is not a means to a destination. It is a journey. In the research exploring the connection between outdoor recreation and human physical and mental well-being, it is the interaction with nature that provides the benefits. For hikers this means actively interacting with the environment for the duration of the hike, rather than keeping the mind occupied with the endpoint. It is important to find ways to cultivate a greater awareness of your surroundings, to deeply look at the scene around you, and be present.

One tool that can help you build awareness is a field journal. A field journal can be used to jot notes, sketch, or document details found along the hike, and it is a great way to capture your hiking experience. If you are new to field journaling, try this Guided Field Journal to get you started enjoying the journey.  

Outdoor Time is the New Me Time

More and more research has confirmed that spending time outdoors is good for your physical and mental health. Real measurable benefits of going outside to connect with nature include reduced feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety and increased heart function, muscle strength, and bone health. Although there are numerous options for outdoor recreation, hiking is one of the most accessible due to its low cost (no specialized equipment needed) and low impact (go at your own pace).

If hiking seems like an extreme activity for only the outdoorsy type, I have broken it down for you in this article: 6 Essential Tips for Beginner Hikers which has tips and the encouragement you need to hit the trail. Whether you take the nature trail at the city park or venture out to trails on public lands, there are thousands and thousands of miles for you to get on the path to wellness!

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