This week, Canadians are commemorating the birthday of Robert Baden-Powell who was a British Military leader and who was best known for founding the Boys Scouts. People are going to be hiking the Baden-Powell trail located in Deep Cove known for its spectacular view, which I participated in this past weekend!
The stream flowing under the bridge
People admiring the beautiful sunset at the top of the mountain after an hour hike
The fogginess drifts away and the sun finally comes out
Walking towards Baden-Powell Trail
The sun shining through the forest earlier in the morning
The dog is happy after his morning exercise
Whether you are looking to reduce stress, clear your head, or exercise, hiking delivers almost immediate rewards. “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir. Hiking is a way for people to connect with nature and themselves and escape from their busy lives to not only eventually arrive to an amazing view, but to also benefit their bodies and minds. Hiking is inexpensive and easy to start- you can easily participate no matter your level of fitness. According to research conducted by PLOS ONE- time outdoors increases attention span, and creative-problem solving skills by as much as 50 percent! In addition, hiking is a type of therapy that boosts your brains’ happiness and releases chemicals called endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria!
So next time your mom tells you to, “go take a hike” you should do it! :)
To learn more about the medical benefits of hiking and research that has been conducted, visit:
http://www.psmag.com/health/for-good-health-take-a-hike-3862
Work Cited
Ann Atchley, Ruth, David L. Strayer, and Paul Atchley. “Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning through Immersion in Natural Settings.” PLOS ONE:. Web. 23 Feb. 2015.
