Hiking
A relaxing hobby!
Physical health: Hiking is a full-body workout that strengthens muscles and bones, improves balance, and can help with weight management. It's a weight-bearing exercise that can help prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and some cancers. Hiking also improves your sense of balance and can help decrease the risk of certain respiratory problems.
Mental health: Hiking can positively impact your mood by releasing endorphins, which are hormones that can alleviate pain and induce pleasure. It can also reduce anxiety and depression, and the fresh air and daylight can have rejuvenating effects. Stanford researchers found that walking in nature for 90 minutes increased activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with anxiety and depression. Hiking can also help you train your body to work as it's designed, with different muscles working together in synergy. For example, walking uphill engages muscles in the front and back of your legs, while walking downhill engages muscles in your ankles, hips, and core. If you use trekking poles or carry a backpack, you can also strengthen your arm and back muscles.