The Health Benefits of Hiking And How To Start
In a world full of notifications, deadlines, and eternal scrolling, sometimes the best therapy is lacing up your shoes and heading into the woods. Hiking isn’t just for outdoor experts or super-fit Instagram influencers – it’s for anyone who appreciates beautiful views and is willing to put one foot in front of the other to go see them.
The Perks of the Path: How Hiking Improves Your Health and Wellbeing
- Physical Health: Hiking is a full-body workout disguised as a leisurely walk through the woods. It strengthens your legs, boosts cardiovascular health, improves balance, and burns calories – all without the monotony of a treadmill.
- Mental Wellness: There’s something undeniably calming about the rhythm of walking through nature. Hiking reduces stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Plus, exposure to sunlight helps regulate sleep and mood thanks to the boost in vitamin D that it gives you.
- Digital Detox: No Wi-Fi? No problem. In fact, that’s kind of the point! Unlike your phone, your brain doesn’t need a cable to recharge. Being unplugged in nature lets your brain take a break from the constant information overload of the digital world.
5 Tips to Master the Trail and Hike Like a Pro
1. Start Easy: You don’t need to climb a mountain on your first try. Look for beginner trails in local parks or nature reserves. Aim for under 3 miles with modest elevation gain.
2. Wear the Right shoes: Your flip-flops might be great for beach days, but on rocky trails? Not so much. Invest in proper hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip and ankle support. Your feet will thank you later.
3. Pack Smart, Not Heavy: Bring water (hydration is a must), snacks, a map, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. And for the love of fresh air, bring your trash back out with you!
4. Bring An Extra Layer: Nature loves surprises. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons can roast you, and rain can come out of nowhere. Having an extra layer available can help you adapt without sweating, shivering, or soaking your way to the finish.
5. Tell Someone Your Plans: Always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Hopefully you won’t run into any trouble, but if you do, your future self will appreciate the foresight.
Hiking is less about the distance and more about the experience. Whether you’re chasing summits, waterfalls, or just a quiet moment under the trees, hiking reconnects you to the world – and to yourself. So go ahead – take a hike! Literally.
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Resources:
Admin, A. (2021, August 6). Health benefits of hiking. American Hiking Society. https://americanhiking.org/health-benefits-of-hiking/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, May 9). CDC – BAM, physical activity, hiking. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/healthyschools/bam/cards/hiking.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, April 22). 9 benefits of hiking. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/9-benefits-of-hiking
U.S. Department of the Interior. (2024, June 13). Hike smart (U.S. National Park Service). National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/articles/hiking-safety.htm
Disclaimer:
We want you to be well and to live your best life. The content in this blog is provided for the purposes to educate and entertain you: our very important reader. It is not intended as medical advice or as substitute for medical advice from a trained healthcare professional.
If you have a medical condition or are under the care of a medical provider, please always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before undertaking a new health care regimen. To that point, never disregard medical advice or delay treatment for a medical condition because of something you read on this site.
Listen to your care providers as they know you and your conditions best. Thank you for reading!
The Team at BSDI