Have you considered engaging in hiking for mental health reasons? To improve mental health, obvious options include therapy and prescription medications, but exploring additional methods can also be vital. Getting out in the fresh air and moving around scenic areas doesn’t just give your body a good workout. Exercise helps people enjoy moderated moods and can improve symptoms of mental health disorders.
Montare Behavioral Health of Tucson recognizes the mind-body connection and includes exercise in our treatment recommendations. A healthy body and mind complement each other, enhancing the progress made in our treatment program.
Hiking and Mental Health
It’s difficult to see much media these days without hiking being highlighted as a positive and beneficial activity enjoyed by many. It’s often featured in social media posts, in the news, and in TV shows and films. One of the most convenient things about hiking for good mental health is that it can be done as a solo act or with others. Many people find that wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes and hitting the trail alone provides a natural escape from daily life.
Conversely, hiking can be an excellent group adventure. Groups of friends or family members can hike together. Many hiking groups offer opportunities to join like-minded individuals for planned outdoor events. Whether solo or in a group, many people plan weekend trips or vacations to hike in scenic areas nearby or out of state. When hiking becomes a habit, it often fosters the ability to feel better mentally and physically.
How Does Hiking Improve People’s Mental Health?
How Does Hiking Improve People’s Mental Health? Everyone knows that getting in some exercise provides benefits like reducing the risk of hypertension and heart disease, keeping muscles active, and aiding in weight loss. What many may not realize is that hiking can also help improve a person’s mental health. It does so in more than one way. The body naturally produces adrenaline, but if it isn’t released, it can contribute to muscle tension and anxiety. The act of hiking produces a feel-good chemical called endorphins that help elevate a person’s mood.
A study published by Stanford University showed that people who spend 90 minutes walking in a natural area (as opposed to city streets) experienced decreased activity in the part of their brain associated with feeling depressed. Additionally, children with ADHD who hiked experienced a greater reduction in symptoms than with similar activities in other settings.
Another benefit of using hiking for mental health is the freedom it gives your mind. Hiking provides a natural way to shift focus from stressors and anxiety, allowing individuals to concentrate on navigating the terrain and enjoying the scenery. Conversely, hiking can also provide solitude that allows a person to focus on problem-solving a situation without interruption. This can help someone who struggles to focus on therapy or work amidst the noise pollution of daily life.
How to Find the Best Hiking Spots Near You
If you aren’t sure where to start when looking for a place to hike, there are lots of options. The American Hiking Society offers tons of locations for hiking trails including ones near you. The AllTrails app features over 200,000 trail maps for those interested in moving their feet out in nature. Visit Tucson offers a section for hikes that range from casual strolls to multi-day treks.
You can also search online for hiking areas conducive to good mental health. Social media hosts many hiking groups, and a search can find ones near Tucson or in other areas of the country. If you have friends or family who love to hike, ask them for recommendations, too.
Contact Montare Tucson to Begin Your Mental Health Journey
In these challenging modern times, people are more informed about mental health treatment options. While traditional therapies and prescription medications are effective, incorporating hiking can offer an additional way to improve symptoms. Montare Behavioral Health of Tucson believes in educating the people we treat so they can employ a diverse range of options to help minimize symptoms that come with illnesses like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Our residential program provides structured treatment in a comfortable residential setting to help everyone heal and live their best lives.
Do you want to get the most effective help available to improve your mental health? Contact us now and let’s talk about how we can make a real difference in showing you how to experience peace of mind again.
