In recent years, thanks to the benefits of hiking, hiking is gaining its popularity. But, not all the people appreciate hiking, at least the one below……
After the long weekdays from stressful work, you might think you would like to spend your “me-time” to relax at home, or having Netflix marathon just to let yourself “breathe” during the weekends.
While laying on the couch is all we need for our weekend, why not get up and move our body? Sure, hiking is a PERFECT choice! Thus, I’m going to show you 5 benefits of hiking to motivate you start hiking right away!
1. Improve health conditions
Like swimming, running, jogging, cycling etc, hiking is a form of physical activity. Study has shown that several health benefits are related to physical activity:
· Improve in muscular function
· Increase in exercise tolerance
· Reduce blood pressure
· Weight loss
Hiking is also suitable for all groups of age. So, you may encourage your family members to go hiking together.
2. Get attached to the nature
Whether you are a solo-hiker or hike in group, hiking allows you to observe and attach to our mother nature.
You start to realize and appreciate the little things around you, whether the sound of animal (although you may be frightened by the sound from unknown animal!), the sound of swaying trees, or even the flowering.
Actually, it is mental / soul cleansing! You will be aware of the beauty of our mother nature which you are too busy to pay attention to, as you are too occupied with the things or problems happened around you.
3. Improve relationships with your loved ones and friends
Let’s go hiking with your friends! Hiking with friends makes hiking more fun and enjoyable.
Or, have you thought of dating your partner by having a hike? – Well, you can try!
Instead of thinking how long it takes to reach the peak of the mountain, chatting with your hiking mates makes the whole hiking journey a lot easier.
You may share your daily life problems with your hiking mates and you may be surprised that they will provide some useful advice while hiking.
Another interesting encounter: You may have a long-hour conversation with a first-met hiker because you guys share the same interest. You may find that friend while hiking!
During my Taiwan trip in 2019, I met a Taiwanese hiker when I was hiking Teapot Mountain. He knew that I was a tourist and he shared his hiking experience and also suggested me to attempt Jade Mountain (aka Yu Shan, the highest mountain in Taiwan with elevation of 3,952 metres). I also shared my hiking experience in my home country, especially my experience of hiking Mount Kinabalu (elevation of 4,095 metres).
Well, thanks to this friendly hiker, Jade Mountain is in my hiking bucket list!
4. Great sense of achievement
Imagine after the long-hour hiking and you reach the peak of the mountain, the beautiful scene and cool breeze await you. You sit down to enjoy the beautiful scene and the cool breeze, and talk to yourself “what a great moment!” – That is an achievement.
There was a time when I hiked with my friend, we met a group of disabled people attempting the same mountain. That mountain was quite steep. One of them is legless and hiked with his arms and surprisingly, he managed to reach the peak. – This is an extraordinary achievement!
Once you become a hiker, I believe you long to have greater achievement and challenge difficult hikes, such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Kilimanjaro hiking etc (you name it). Here, hiking forms unique memories which you are proud of for yourself – A story to tell your next generation!
Hiking makes you realize although the whole journey looks tough, as long as you take your time and hike step-by-step, you will reach the peak. – Well, this also applies to our daily lives, right?
5. It is a cheap sport!
If you want to stay healthy but you do not want (or too broke) to pay gym membership, hiking is definitely a choice for you!
You may argue – it is not cheap though. We need to buy hiking gear and equipment.
I agree with that. But buying good hiking gear and equipment is investment.
Buy some good hiking gear and equipment, use them for several years to save costs in the long run and reap the benefits of a cheap sport!
Final thought
Hiking is a really simple yet healthy activity. You just need to get up and start hiking to reap the benefits of hiking. – But, how to start, then?
Lets’ ask your friends or family to hike and be healthy together!