Hiking has many different benefits. From physical, to mental, to psychological, and even religious. And whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting off, these benefits can help you in your everyday life and to lead a more fulfilling one. While that may sound like an exaggeration, it isn’t. The benefits of hiking are numerous and can have a meaningful impact on your life.
Below, we are going to discuss and review just what are the goals and purpose of hiking. We’ll be discussing the goals and purpose of hiking from not only a practical, healthy-living perspective, but also from a spiritual and meditative sense.
Physical Benefits of Hiking
Perhaps the most obvious purpose of hiking is its physical benefits. Hiking is not only a great workout, but also a great cardio workout, that will help to keep you lean, fit, and in shape. And whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned hiker, the physical benefits of hiking will pay dividends for years to come.
From lowering your risk of heart disease, to improving your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, hiking is one of the best and most fun ways to get your cardio routine completed. Not subjected to a narrow walkway or path, hiking allows you to move your body while exploring the great outdoors.
In addition to cardio benefits, hiking is a great way to build bone density and strength. This is particularly true if you carry a hiking backpack and even more so on long hiking trips, where you will need to pack your bag to accommodate all your needs.
Similarly, this bone and muscular strength will be evenly divided amongst major muscle groups, including your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and even your arms. This is especially true if you carry trekking or hiking poles along with you on a hike.
Lastly, the physical benefits of hiking also extend to your core. The ascent and descent of steep mountain tops will train your core muscles and help you to build that six-pack you’ve been vying for.
Mental Benefits of Hiking
Perhaps an even greater benefit of hiking than the physical is the mental benefits. The simple act of hiking, and being in the great outdoors, can boost your mood, improve your mental health, and help to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression.
One of the greatest goals and purposes of hiking is the mental benefits that hiking can provide. By unplugging from your electronic devices and returning to nature, you can find calm, peace, and a sense of belonging.
And, in one study by Stanford University, participants who hiked for 90-minutes in a natural setting, as opposed to walking in a high-traffic setting, showed a decreased activity in the region of the brain which is most associated with a key factor in depression.
Cognitive Benefits of Hiking
In addition to the physical and mental benefits that arise from hiking, there are a number of cognitive benefits that hiking can provide. Although nearly all forms of exercise are helpful for cognitive health, hiking provides a clear, open space for you to gain clarity and reasoning.
In addition, both hiking and normal exercise are one of the best ways to help prevent and reverse cognitive decline and dementia. In a 2018 study, participants who increased exercise times and effort were found to have improved cognitive performances. And what better exercise is there than a brisk hike?
Similarly, hiking helps to work out your hippocampus, an essential area of the brain for learning, memory, and navigation. And while regular exercise has also been shown to improve the hippocampus region, to truly challenge that region, you should be working out in a cognitively demanding environment.
Furthermore, hiking can also be a great opportunity to learn new skills, which can help to improve your neuroplasticity, or the nervous system’s ability to accommodate new demands and information. Whether you’re learning how to navigate during an overnight hike or preparing for a one-night camping trip, you will work on your neuroplasticity and improve your memory.
Familial and Social Benefits of Hiking
One of the greatest benefits of hiking is the social and familial aspects of a hike. From building bonds, creating new memories, and facing challenges together, hiking is one of the best ways to develop friendships and strengthen familial ties.
In addition, hiking can be a great family activity and one that you can do with your kids. Getting your kid to love hiking often starts at an early age and can help them to build a greater sense of independence, a love of the great outdoors, and an understanding of new and challenging terrains.
Psychological Benefits of Hiking
Similar to the mental benefits of hiking, your psychological health can be greatly improved by hiking. Not only does hiking release levels of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, but you will also lower your stress and frustration levels in the process.
In addition, hiking is a great mood booster and the feelings of accomplishment associated with completing a particularly arduous hike are invaluable. Not only can hiking boost your mood, but it can also improve your self-esteem and help you to take on more challenging projects in your life.
Spiritual and Religious Benefits of Hiking
Hiking is also a great way to build your spirituality and religiosity. No other form of exercise connects you with nature and the amazingness of the great outdoors like a hike. You will see, smell, and touch the beauty found all around you and be at one wit yourself.
From the views of the mountains to the calls of the animals, to the natural beauty and colors found in nature, hiking will help you to return to yourself and find an inner peace that may have been missing.
Economic Benefits of Hiking
Let’s face it, it seems that nearly everything in this world is getting more and more expensive. But hiking is one of the last few refuges where the costs decrease over time. Once you have purchased proper hiking and camping gear, you can visit any number of hiking trails or national parks and enjoy the natural beauty for free.
Conclusion
Whatever your goal or purpose is in hiking, you will be sure to find it. Hiking offers a plethora of benefits, and these benefits can be gained quickly and without too much efforts. From the physical to the psychological to the cognitive benefits, hiking is by far one of the best ways to gain a better perspective and live a healthier life.