Autumn means hiking. Hot summer landscapes give way to the magic of woods, paths and hills being painted with the gaudy colours of the leaves. The crisp, but not yet excessively cold, weather makes the autumn months perfect for trips and days out.
And if autumn is a season often devoted to getting physically fit for winter sports, why not devote ourselves to improving our mental health as well?
Hiking is an activity that can have many benefits both physical and mental. Here, in brief, are five:
- Peace and tranquillity
Walking in the countryside, sometimes on demanding paths, is an excellent way to let off steam. Physical activity produces endorphins and serotonin, known as the happiness hormones. It’s an almost miraculous way of getting away from the daily grind and becoming one with nature and the world around us.
- Walking stimulates creativity
Aristotle said it and science confirms it. According to a Stanford University study, walking, away from noise and visual distractions and all the devices that we are now used to living with day by day, stimulates creativity and also improves productivity.
- It’s good for the heart – in all meanings of the word
When walking, the heart is kept busy. Hiking is a moderate physical activity that builds endurance and walking helps good blood circulation. Not only that, immersing ourselves in the countryside and nature also, as we have said, acts on the mind. In this sense, the heart – is thankful!
- It trains our breathing
Walking also helps develop endurance and breathing through exertion. In particular, it helps the lungs expand and oxygenate the body better.
- It tones muscles
Hiking hardens and tones muscles, especially the leg muscles, glutes and abdominal muscles.
Pay attention to your ankle and knee joints, which are always under stress when we walk, especially on mountain paths. It is good practice to keep exercising them to prevent accidents.
Source: bit.ly/3mD1K2q; bit.ly/3mC2kxC; bit.ly/2WU3cot
