Today is National Take a Hike Day and what better way to celebrate than to get out and enjoy it!
Hiking is a great way to stay active, no matter what your age, plus it can yield a multitude of health benefits. As part of National Take a Hike Day, we’re celebrating this wonderful activity and sharing a few of the health reasons why hiking should be on your list of must-dos:
- Hiking can help reduce your risk of heart disease and hypertension by putting your cardiovascular system to work. Any exercise is great for your heart!
- Hiking is good for the soul! Getting out into nature can be a great way to restore your spiritual or emotional well-being. Many studies show that giving yourself quiet time in nature can yield a longer life, less stress, and more.
- Hiking can also help in reducing anxiety. When you hike or do any kind of exercise, your body releases endorphins that will naturally elevate your mood and reduce your anxiousness.
- Hiking also releases adrenaline built up by your anxiety. Studies show that walking can yield immediate decreases in tension and anxiety, regardless of how fast or slow participants walked.
- Hiking is also great for helping to reduce the negative effects of osteoporosis by increasing bone density and the rate of calcium loss.
- Hiking is weight-bearing exercise, which means it strengthens both muscles and bones – i.e. it’s a great activity for two of your body’s most important systems.
So get out there and take a hike – not just today, but as often as you can!
