Hiking is one of the most natural forms of exercise we can do. Therefore, our bodies, minds and souls respond positively to it, in a variety of ways. Here are some of them…
FIRSTLY – Our SOULs sing with joy when they are released from their 9-5 cage. Souls like nothing more than to feel unrestrained & FREE! No deadlines. No Bosses. No cubicles! Out there we are back in the environment we are meant to be in and we become more attuned to our body’s natural rhythms. Because we are in an environment we love our bodies release the HAPPY HORMONES (endorphins) we all know and love. Taking time to do things that make us happy is not an indulgence, it is essential to our overall good health.
SECONDLY – Our MINDS will be stimulated by challenges and information that differs from the day-day stuff. Such as fine tuning your wild-life navigational skills and identifying (or making up stories about) natural flora and fauna. Stimulating your brain in new ways makes it grow… which means you’ll get SMARTER!
Our minds and bodies thrive on FRESH AIR. Trillions of cells are counting on it for cleansing and healthy replication. In towns and cities we instinctively take shallow breaths to protect us from excessive air pollutants. Yet, up in the mountains we are free to BREATHE deeply and saturate our cells with clean oxygen. This will have a refreshing and clarifying effect on the mind – as it clears, you may begin to see things differently.
& THIRDLY – Your BODY is going to love you (and maybe hate you – a little bit). You’ll be doing countless good things for it including – burning fat, building strength and endurance, toning muscles and increasing fitness (all of which lower the risk of harmful diseases). Yet, all this might mean you experience a little muscle soreness on the days following your hike. BUUUUUUT – It’s worth it and you’ll feel it in all the right places – bums, legs and if you’re doing it right – Core!
It is very important to know your limits when you are out there. Choose a path that matches your current fitness level and always rest if you need to. As you get fitter and stronger you will be able to take on more challenging routes, there is plenty of time for progression. The number one rule to begin with is – KEEP SAFE AND LOOK AFTER YOURSELF.
Hiking in Katoomba and Wentworth Falls
Abhay Living 
It is time to hit the trails
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Simple Living Over 50.
LikeLike
I like the way you present the facts. Each point you mention builds on the prior one creating a synergistic feeling of balance and wellness. You’re even honest about metabolic waste accumulation in the muscles. Health is my passion as well and I like to write about controversial but important topics dealing with health. Information is important, but it needs to be delivered using motivation to get compliance. Your writing demonstrates this skill. Looking forward to reading future posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you – that’s really encouraging feedback. I hope you enjoy what’s to come.
LikeLike
I do so love a good walk and although limited by issues with my back, I get out as often as I can and have to agree, the boost it gives the mind as well as the body is trends. I have recently bought a jawbone to track my steps, I just hope I don’t become obsessed with getting 10k of them every day!
LikeLike
I remember when I was younger, in my mid teens and everything was so dramatic. I was either in love with like or madly hating it. I didn’t just get mad then, I would be totally full of rage. Well, whenever I’d have a fit of deep rage if I was allowed the opportunity I would go for a walk outside, I’d breathe deeply because I loved the outside smells. It only took a few minutes for me to not only be calmer, but to actually be happy and content. I used to marvel at this when I was younger. Change any bad mood into happiness with a walk in the outdoors!
LikeLike
I love to hike through the woods, but I lost my strength due to physical injuries and other physical injuries. A friend and I used to hike through the woods for an hour or more, but now I am down to about 5 maybe 10 minutes walking before the hips, knees and back start screaming and the night is fraught with cramps. A couple weeks ago we ventured further and I paid for that, but would love to get back into it. Baby steps I know.
LikeLike