Health Benefits of Hiking!

Not only is hiking a fun way to get away from all the stresses of school or working, it is fantastic exercise. Along with the obvious benefit of burning fat and calories to lose weight, according to the American Hiking Society, hiking can help prevent heart disease by lower cholesterol by increasing the amount of HDL, or "good cholesterol" in the body. It also decreases hypertension by, "lowering plasma norepinephrine which correlates with blood pressure improvement" (AHS). Hiking also helps with stress management, because when you hike, you are exercising. Therefore your body is giving off endorphin's, which help elevate mood and increase happiness, hence lowering stress. Hiking also give you a mental break from all the fast pace stresses of society. Getting away and spending time with nature helps the mind relax and recenter. Hiking is a great way to practice mindfullness, because the rhythmic walking helps the mind relax and unwind. Hiking provides endless social opportunities as well, because I've always found it more fun to hike with friends!