WARNING: This article will get cheesy as we express our deepest love for nature & hiking.
In a world that often moves at a whirlwind speed, it's very easy to lose touch with ourselves and the natural world around us. We've been there, caught up in the chaos of modern life, where finding moments of peace and clarity seemed like an impossible task. We didn't even realise how much we craved that feeling of inner peace. The truth is, we've experienced the exhaustion of burnout first-hand, seeking comfort indoors, A.K.A. long naps and binge-watching TV shows – that was our definition of "rest". And we've certainly overused some of these excuses…
"We'll only end up more exhausted if we venture out on a hike or walk…"
"The weather isn't exactly inviting, so why would we bother going outside?"
"We don't have the proper gear for hiking, so it's out of the question.”
"I'm just not in the mood for exercising…"
That's where hiking came in – the activity that offers not only physical exercise, but also a profound journey of self-discovery and mental rejuvenation.
It all started with a short walk, which then turned into a longer walk… and as they say, the rest is history. Our hikes started in jeans and trainers, an amusing image in hindsight!
But we embraced the journey, more than we thought we would. It wasn't long before we noticed an incredible transformation… after every hike, we came back home not just happier, but infused with a sense of joy and purpose. And so, our love affair with hiking began.
It's a "love affair" that holds a special place in our hearts, just because...
More Than Just a Walk
Hiking is more than just putting one foot in front of the other. It's an experience that engages all of our senses and connects us with the beauty of nature. The benefits of hiking extend far beyond the physical realm. Sure, it's great for cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles and improving overall fitness. But even more importantly, we were fortunate enough to discover the incredible benefits it has for our mental health.
A H(e)aven for the Mind
For us, hiking is a form of therapy – a sanctuary for the mind amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. The simple act of being surrounded by magnificent trees, majestic mountains, and the soothing sounds of nature, all of which will always have profoundly calming effects. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
Rediscovering Ourselves
Another one of the most remarkable aspects of hiking is the ability to help us rediscover ourselves. When we step onto the trail, we leave behind the distractions and noise of the modern world, reconnecting with our most innermost thoughts and emotions. In the quietness of nature, we find the space to reflect, introspect, and gain a deeper understanding of who we are and what truly matters to us.
A Sense of Purpose… and Self-confidence
The endless list continues, as hiking also gives us a great sense of purpose – a goal to strive towards with every hike we take. Whether it's reaching a summit of a challenging peak or completing a long-distance trail, every hike gives us the opportunity to push our limits and get out of our comfort zone. The sense of accomplishment and empowerment we feel when we conquer a difficult trail is something that we can't really describe, but we know for sure that is reminds us that we are capable of way more that we can believe. Oh, there's one more… more than anything else, hiking gives us confidence in ourselves!
We can Achieve Everything and Anything
As if there weren't enough reasons already, hiking makes us feel that we can achieve anything and everything. As we navigate rugged (and boggy!) terrain, overcome obstacles and challenging weather conditions, we are reminded of our own resilience and strength. The lessons we learn on the trail – persistence, determination and resilience – carry over into every aspect of our lives, giving us the confidence to tackle challenges head-on and pursue our dreams with incredible determination. We did hikes we've never thought we could do, so we can only imagine what we can do in life, in general.
In essence, hiking is much more than a physical activity for us (although we do appreciate the benefits) – it's a transformative journey of self-discovery, mental rejuvenation, and personal growth. It's a reminder that amidst life's chaos, there is always a h(e)aven waiting for us in the great outdoors. A place where we can reconnect with ourselves, find solace in nature, and rediscover the boundless potential that lies within each and every one of us.
