In the modern age, we spend more of our time connected to the internet than ever before. Isn't it time to take a break from digital life?
The need to occasionally go outside and ‘touch grass’ has never been more pressing. Fortunately, there’s a form of exercise that might allow exactly the required break from digital life. Walking will allow you to spend time outdoors, while enjoying the benefits of low-impact exercise. It’s easy, affordable, and it can take you to places that might not otherwise be reachable.
Many people turn to hiking trips as a way to escape the stress of everyday life, trading screen time for serene landscapes and fresh air. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits associated with a walk through nature.
The Science Behind Walking and Mental Clarity: Some of history’s greatest thinkers have noted that walking is great for thinking. During his most productive years, Friedrich Nietzsche would walk for ten hours a day. But you don’t have to walk quite that far to enjoy the benefits of reduced stress, enhanced focus, and superior creativity. If you’re dealing with a problem at work, the chances are good that walking will help you look at it from a different angle.
Escaping the Digital Noise: It can be difficult to break the habit of checking emails or looking at social media notifications. After all, these services make their money by capturing our attention – and they tend to be very good at it. A short walking holiday, or a daily stroll around your neighborhood, can provide you with vital time during which you’ll be shielded against these distractions.
Reconnecting with Nature: One of the most substantial benefits of going for a walk is that you’ll be able to appreciate the natural world around you. Human beings have been shaped to appreciate green space, since these spaces tend to contain food, water, and shelter. This preference is still lurking at the back of our minds – so exposing yourself to the right natural environments can be a great antidote to stress. Whether it’s a path through a forest, a cliffside, or a beach, the simple act of getting out into nature can be extremely therapeutic.
Strengthening Relationships Through Walking: Walking on your own can confer a number of powerful benefits. But for many, walking with friends and family can be just as worthwhile. You might have a different kind of conversation from the ones you normally have, just because of the way that walking promotes the flow of oxygen to the brain. You might even end up walking in step with your companions and building a subconscious bond with them, too.
Walking Holidays - The Ultimate Reset: While day-to-day walking can be a fantastic habit to make, it’s a good idea to get away and spend a week, or even longer, conquering some of the world’s more scenic and challenging trails. Whether it’s the Dolomites, the Scottish Highlands, or Camino de Santiago, there’s a trail out there that’s right for you.
Walking might seem like a simple act. But the truth is that most of us aren’t doing enough of it. If you want to enjoy the benefits, the best way to approach this pastime is to build it up in small amounts. Start with a short local walk, then work your way up to a long hike. Just make sure that you bring along the right pair of walking boots!