Summer has arrived and the outdoors is beckoning into the warm sunshine, cool shade, tall pines and scenic trails. Spending time outdoors and in nature can be very enjoyable and relaxing, but did you know spending time outside can also make you happier and healthier? Here are just a few ways hiking is a great addition to your weekly routine:
Calmer Mind and Body
Being in nature provides a feeling of relaxation that reduces anxiety and stress. In fact, just seeing pictures of nature helps reduce stress and brings a sense of calm. Additionally, the scent of many plants such as lavender, jasmine, lilacs and roses are proven to calm and relax the mind and body. The scent of fresh pine has even been shown to lower depression and anxiety.
Less Depression; More Happiness
Doing activities in nature naturally lifts the mood, decreases depression and anxiety, and brings a sense of peace. A 2010 Harvard study links nature walks to better overall mental health and positivity, fewer feelings of depression and stress, and a reduction in anti-depression and anxiety medications. The study also showed that people who exercised outdoors had a lower risk of poor mental health than those who exercised indoors.
Restored Brain Function
Walking and interacting with nature gives your brain a break from everyday overstimulation, which translates into a restorative effect. Outside, the brain’s energy can recover and replenish, much like recharging a battery. The simple act of a casual stroll or hike up a mountain can yield amazing results, without much thought required.
Increased Focus, Concentration and Creativity
A study published by Wilderness Society revealed that spending time outdoors increases attention spans and creative problem-solving skills by as much as 50 percent. The National Institutes of Health reports people who take “outdoor breaks” throughout the day are more focused and have better concentration skills than those who remain indoors for long periods of time. Have a difficult task or decision or trouble concentrating? Perhaps a short or long hike will lift the fog and bring clarity.
Stronger Muscles; Better Mobility
Hiking increases endurance and bone density, in addition to building stronger muscles. Core muscles are strengthened, which means relief from lower back pain and more stability that increases balance and decreases falls. Numerous studies suggest walking and gardening can help dementia and stroke patients live a higher quality of life by instilling confidence while increasing mobility and dexterity.
Exercise is Productive
Just one hour of semi-strenuous hiking can burn well over 500 calories. People who run or cycle outside exert more energy than those on treadmills or stationary bikes, with less strain on the body. And because most people say they enjoy outside exercise more than inside exercise, they engage more regularly and for longer periods.
High Altitude Promotes Weight Loss
A 2013 International Journal of Obesity study found that Americans who live at sea-level are four to five times more likely to be obese as those who live in the highest altitude communities, such as Flagstaff. Add in some hiking and walking and you have a great weight-loss combination.
Stronger Immune System
Getting enough Vitamin D, which naturally comes from the sun, is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. And breathing fresh air, especially when exerting yourself, helps stimulate the body to produce illness-fighting white blood cells and prevent sickness.
Lower Blood Pressure
Logging cardio workouts in the form of hiking can lower blood pressure by four to 10 points and reduce the danger of heart disease, diabetes and strokes for those who are at high risk, according to the American Heart Association.
Improved Sleep
Want to sleep when it is dark? Get outside when it is light. Sleep patterns that are regulated by the body’s internal clock, called circadian rhythms, are naturally tied to the sun’s schedule. Spending too much time inside away from natural light can alter our circadian rhythms, resulting in poor sleep patterns.
So, Hit the Trails
Spending time outdoors, whether you are hiking, walking, biking, gardening or golfing is good for you, increasing happiness and health and a sense of well-being. And, living in Northern Arizona makes enjoying nature easy – just step outside.
NACA’s Spring Into Summer Hiking Series is provided through the Special Diabetes Project for Indians – Community Direct Grant, which is aimed at preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes in American Indian/Alaska Natives. The series is open to the community of Flagstaff and surrounding areas. The monthly hikes range from 1.5 miles to five miles in popular Flagstaff hiking locations. For more information on the series or other health and wellness activities, call the NACA Family Health & Wellness Center at 928-773-1245. FBN
By Sheena Tallis
Sheena Tallis is the Health Promotion Program manager at NACA, Inc. The non–profit organization embraces a holistic, integrated approach to caring for the whole person. NACA offers integrated care to all people of all cultural backgrounds, including behavioral health services, lifestyle-change classes and a low-cost fitness center, all at the same location. To learn more about all the services and programs NACA offers, visit NACAInc.org or call 928-773-1245. Stay up to date on new services, events and health topics by following NACA on Facebook.