Take a Hike! (For Better Health)

By Stepy Kamei

If you've ever found yourself lost in a picture of majestic woods and mountains, you're not alone. Almost all of us find it easy to get caught up in the majesty of nature, even if it's only in a picture. If you've ever wondered why nature can be so enthralling and engrossing, it turns out there's more to it than merely getting caught up in the beauty of it all. The body and the brain have a natural inclination to be out and about in nature, so when you indulge in the practice of being outside among trees and other greenery, you really do feel better, and for good reason. Read on to learn more about how making the time to be active in nature can benefit your overall health and well-being.

Being Active Outdoors Benefits Your Health

It's no secret that living an active lifestyle is crucial to being healthier all around. Study after study has shown that people who remain active on a regular basis tend to experience better physical and mental health. They are less likely to face health conditions such as obesity, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and heart disease, just to name a few. Combine this with being outdoors more often, and you've got a fantastic way to improve many aspects of your overall health.

Those who spend time outdoors regularly also experience a better mood, less stress, increased focus, better sleep, and a stronger immune system as well. Studies have made it clear that there is a connection between time spent in nature, and improvements to a person's health and wellness.

How to Squeeze in More Time Outdoors

At this point, it should be clear that getting a workout on in the great outdoors is one of the best things you can do for your health. Even if you live in a big city, you should be able to find some source of greenery to take advantage of. Even if it's just a small park in the middle of the city, it's better than nothing. Still, if you can find any sort of preserve, national park, or large wooded area within an hour of where you live, you should absolutely make it a priority to visit as often as you can. It may help to simply work your way up to bigger hikes in grander destinations; you can always start out by taking 15-minute walks around the block during your lunch break, before eventually working your way to taking hourlong treks through larger parks.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Memphis, Tenn.