“The tranquility of nature will enter you just like sunlight enters the trees.. The wind will give you its freshness, the storms will give you their energy, and all worries will fall from you like leaves in autumn,” wrote John Muir in Our National Parks.. Obviously, John Muir understood the true value of time spent in nature..

Like Muir, many of us recognize that hiking in nature is good for the body, mind and soul.. Walking through the forest, watching colorful birds and foliage, smelling the scent of fir and pine trees, and listening to the soothing sound of a stream just helps us clear our minds and feel better.. We are lucky, the doctors agree with this.

Hiking in nature reduces deep thinking.

Those who ruminate or focus too much on negative thoughts about themselves may show signs of anxiety, depression, and other problems, such as an incessant desire to eat or post-traumatic stress disorder.. In a recent study, scientists looked at whether spending time in nature affects rumination, and they found that walking in nature reduces these intrusive, negative thoughts..

In this study, researchers compared the recorded reflections of participants who walked through the city and into nature.. They found that those who walked for 90 minutes in nature, namely in a meadow near Stanford University, reported lower levels of rumination and also decreased neural activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, which is associated with mental illness.. Those who walked around the city did not enjoy these benefits.

These studies indicate that our world is becoming more and more urban, and urbanization is associated with depression and other forms of mental illness.. Obviously, simply getting away from the urban environment to spend time outdoors, where there are fewer stressors, less noise, and fewer distractions, can help our mental health..

Technology-Free Hiking Boosts Creative Problem Solving.

According to a study by Rus Ann Achley and David Strayer, creative problem solving can be improved by disconnecting from technology and connecting with nature.. In this study, participants went camping with backpacks for approximately 4 days and were prohibited from using technology. They were asked to complete tasks that required creativity and complex problem solving.. They found that those who took part in the hike increased their problem-solving score by 50 percent..

The researchers reported that technology and city noise constantly demand our attention and distract us, and this tires our cognitive functions.. Thus, when we are too overwhelmed by sources of stress and being connected 24 hours a day, nature walks can be good medicine.. They reduce our mental fatigue, calm the mind and help us think creatively..

Walking in nature may improve ADHD in children.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common among children. Those with ADHD usually have difficulty concentrating, are easily distracted, show signs of hyperactivity, and have difficulty controlling impulses..

Parents may find it difficult to raise children with ADHD. But in any case, there is good news from the medical and scientific world.. A study by Francis Kuo and Andrea Faber Taylor found that spending time in nature with children with ADHD could reduce the symptoms of ADHD.. Thus, according to the study, the benefits of walking in nature can affect everyone with inattention and impulsivity..

Doctors have concluded that simple changes that include time in nature can improve attention.. For example, a workplace overlooking the greenery, taking an afternoon walk in nature, or even just playing ball in the park can alleviate unwanted ADHD syndromes..

Hiking in nature is a great exercise that improves brain function.

We have all heard the expression “A healthy mind in a healthy body”. Hiking is a great form of exercise and can burn between 400 and 700 calories per hour, depending on the difficulty of the walk.. The added benefit is that walking doesn't put as much strain on our crevices as other forms of exercise, such as running.. It has also been shown that those who exercise outdoors are more likely to stick to their workout routine, making walking a great choice for those looking to incorporate exercise into their daily routine..

Mind and body are connected by nature. Exercise nourishes and revitalizes our brain cells. In fact, according to researchers at the University of British Columbia, aerobics can improve memory and cognition.. In a study, they found that aerobic exercise increased hippocampal volume in older women.. The hippocampus is a part of the brain associated with spatial and episodic memory..

Exercise not only improves cognitive performance and possibly prevents cognitive decline, as shown in the study, but it can also reduce stress and anxiety, increase self-esteem, and release endorphins (hormones of joy). It's amazing how something as simple and inexpensive as walking can provide so many mental health benefits..

Hiking is now prescribed by doctors.

Has your doctor ever told you to go for a walk As a rule, this is not a phrase that we want to hear, especially from our doctors, but in fact they care about our well-being.. Progressive doctors now know that people who spend time in nature are less stressed and have better physical health.

According to WebMD, more doctors are prescribing " Plus, these recipes are increasingly being accepted by traditional doctors as more research shows the benefits of exercise and spending time in nature..

California is traditionally considered one of the progressive states in the field of alternative medicine.. As an example, one institute promotes ecotherapy through its Healthy Parks, Healthy People initiative.. In this program, local community organizations partner with health professionals to improve the health of parks and to promote parks as a path to health for the people who walk there..

How to start hiking?

Luckily, hiking is one of the easiest and least expensive sports to do, and it's also fun and beneficial for the whole family.. If you are just starting out, do not plan any sky-high routes.. You can start small. Check local shortcuts and walk a safe and comfortable distance. You can find route maps online and there are also smartphone apps to help you find the most suitable routes for your level and interests..

Make sure you are wearing sturdy walking boots suitable for the terrain. Consider using trekking poles that reduce stress on the knees, increase speed, and improve stability.. Dress for the weather and wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics such as silk, polypropylene, wool, and fleece to reduce sweat and keep you warm. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.. Drink water and have a good time!

Author — Marilyn Rogers.

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