Hiking is immensely good for your overall health. Here is how

Open sky, distant lands, wild nature, rustic trails, a bit uneasy, and yet peaceful to the heart – such wonderful and therapeutic hiking is. It is one of the best outdoor activities that you can gift to your mind and body. But not many do look at hiking this way. There is a misconception that hiking is for those who want to travel. No! It's not just about getting to the top of a mountain, but it's also about the journey that comes with it. From improving cardiovascular health to reducing stress, there are numerous benefits of hiking. Still not able to get it? Keep reading as I make it simpler for you through this article.

Healthy for your heart

Today, a large number of people suffer from heart issues. The cases of cardiac arrests, stroke, etc., are peaking every day. This is nothing but the curse of modern lifestyle that doesn’t let us connect to our roots. When it comes to hiking, its cardiovascular benefits (heart-related benefits) are well-documented.

When you hike, you keep walking and moving without a cease. This increases the heart rate and pumps blood to all parts of the body. And know that this increase in heart rate is a healthy increase, not one that you get upon a heartbreak or fight. It not only helps to reduce the risks of heart diseases, but it also improves blood circulation and helps to keep blood pressure in check. And if you are thinking that this is the end, know that hiking also helps to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.

Healthy for your mind

Although many do not consider mental issues to be issues, it is becoming one of the deadliest diseases in the modern world. Each day, more and more people suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, and whatnot. This makes life seem like a cage with no escape ever. When you step into the wild, the fresh aroma of flora enters through your nose and caresses your mind with ease. The sweet sound of birds brings that million-year-old music to you. The silence, when you are with yourself alone, awakens you spiritually. It's a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Hiking also boosts the production of endorphins, those feel-good hormones that are the body's natural mood boosters. This reduces depression, improves cognitive function, and lets one smile openly.

Healthy for bones

So, this is the vicious cycle – as we age, our bones start to become brittle, leaving us to move less and less; as we move less, we feel caged; as we feel caged, we get depressed. The solution? Hiking, my friend. It is neither as boring as lifting weights in the gym nor as stressful as running. This beauty is a weight-bearing exercise. This means that as you hike, you carry your own weight. This puts healthy pressure on your bones. As a result, your bones become stronger, and you the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related disorders

However, when hiking, make sure you wear proper footwear. Wearing the wrong quality and size can put unnecessary strain on your ankle and give you injuries. So, choose high-quality shoes and then buy them from eBay alternatives where you may find clothing, shoes & accessories at good prices.

Healthy for muscles and immune system

When you hike, you put your body in a gym-like situation in a way. The excess stress on muscles leads to them becoming stronger. Uphill hiking, in particular, is an excellent way to build lower body strength. And if you like to improve your upper body strength as well, why not to carry a backpack as some weight?

Spending time in nature exposes us to fresh air and sunlight, which is a natural source of vitamin D. And how many times have we heard that Vitamin D is vital for our health? It helps to boost the immune system and reduces the risk of illnesses and infections.

So, are you still unsure if hiking is good for you or not? Well, if you are, then simply think about your married life. It might make you run towards the mountains.