Go On A Hike
It all began one summer, a trip out west to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado with my family. This was not the first time I had done some serious hiking but for some reason I became hooked. After that summer I ended up living in the mountains of Western North Carolina causing me to dedicate my time to seeing as much of North Carolina as possible. I then asked myself a question, “what am I doing differently?” I finally concluded the change in my lifestyle was attributed to hiking and how it can benefit your health.
One of the most impactful benefits of hiking are the effects it has on your sense of awareness and mental health. Hiking allows you to focus on nature's surroundings. Your mind becomes clear, you no longer need your phone and you feel more at peace with yourself. Your body is destressing and you don’t even know it. In fact, hiking is scientifically proven to reduce the amount of cortisol in the blood, which allows human stress levels to decrease. I remember my first strenuous 11 miler, where the end of the hike was a turquoise water lake surrounded by rich green trees. My head never felt clearer. I felt like I accomplished something big and at the same time enjoyed the experience. When you enjoy something it's more likely to become a habit.
In addition to its immense mental benefits, hiking has a variety of physical benefits. Incorporating hiking into your routine can help you build strength, endurance, and mobility. The changes of elevation involved with hiking create a great cardio routine while reducing the risk of heart diseases, high cholesterol and some cancers. Although working out is proven to show immense health benefits, the gym may not be for you, however, hiking could strengthen your outlook of physical activity while building a healthy routine. For me hiking doesn’t feel like exercise and that’s the best part! Why not do something you enjoy that is fantastic for your body.
When I’m hiking, working out or just relaxing I love to have refresher tea that’s chilled and in my water bottle as it tastes great and it’s good for you. My second favorite is 50Cups destress blend that I also drink. Go hike and drink tea! You’ll love it.