How Hiking can Improve your Mental Health
by Laura Clipson
• Published 27/06/2022
As well as being great for our physical health, hiking out in nature has also been proven to have a positive effect on our mental health. The physical exercise involved in hiking releases endorphins, while being out in nature, enjoying the views and being away from the hustle and bustle of life can improve our moods dramatically.
Here are just some of the positive effects hiking can have:
It has been shown that going for a walk or hike can help with our problem solving skills, as it allows our mind time to clear and in turn improves our ability to focus. It also allows us to switch off from negative thoughts and think more rationally.
Going for a hike in nature allows us a break from our lives, essentially giving us a chance to reset and just be one with nature for a little while. Going for a hike can give a sense of escapism, as we’re taking a break from work, technology, and any problems we may be having. When we come back, we will be more equipped to tackle any problems we might have been struggling with.
Being out in nature has been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, having a far greater effect than going for a walk around a built up area. Just spending some time outdoors can have a hugely positive effect on our mental health.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is linked to a lack of vitamin D, and is more common in the winter months due to the lack of sunlight. Going on regular hikes increases our exposure to sunlight and therefore means higher levels of vitamin D, thereby mitigating the symptoms of seasonal depression.
Like any kind of exercise, endorphins released when hiking can help to improve our sleeping habits, which in turn can improve mental health. The exposure to natural light we get when hiking can reinforce our natural sleep-wake cycle, as well as the physical exercise we get making us more likely to have a good night’s sleep.
There are numerous hiking apps available so you can find hikes near you, or even a quick internet search will give you plenty of options. If you don’t have a lot of free time, even just a 15 minute walk around your local park can make a positive difference to your mental health.
If this post has inspired you to get your hiking boots on, see our recent post on the
Top 10 Hikes in the UK.
Thank you for reading.
