The biggest advantage of hiking is the fact that it isn’t just good for your body, it’s also great for your mind too! The question is, why?
When you think about it, the logic behind it is rather obvious. The outdoors is one of the few places where you can get rid of all technological distractions and be completely in the moment. Hiking allows you to break free from life’s distractions and enjoy what’s around you. The odds are you really aren’t thinking about your phone whilst you’re out on a hike, unless you’re taking a scenic picture for the gram, in which case we’ll let you off!
It isn’t just escaping from distractions either, hiking appears to aid the brain directly in various processes. This isn’t just here say either, what we’re saying is backed by scientific facts. For example, a recent study found that spending time outdoors can increase your attention span and creativity by as much as 50 percent! This isn’t’ just during the hike, research shows that these benefits can last long after your trail is over. Why does this happen? Well, any kind of exercise seems to induce neurogenesis, which is the creation of new brain cells in the hippocampus. This is the key area of the brain involved in learning and memory.
Hiking can also help with brain-related illness too. By going for a long hike (ideally 40 minutes or longer), you can reduce your risk of memory impairment, keeping your mind sharper and more alert. This helps fight off symptoms relating to Alzheimer's and other memory illnesses. Amazing right?
Overall, hiking is amazing for the brain and we can’t recommend it enough. Through these brain boosting benefits, we hope we’ve inspired you to get out on the trails and start hiking.
What’re you waiting for? Get in touch today and let us arrange your next adventure!