The benefits of trekking on mental well-being

Il trekking it represents much more than a recreational activity: it is a total immersion in the natural environment that surrounds you and for this reason it offers remarkable benefits not only for the body but also and above all for the mind.
In our era, undertaking a short or long trek can be a real therapy, a way to reconnect with oneself and the environment, reducing stress and improving mental well-being. Let’s see how walking in nature affects us and how to do it to make the most of it.

Impact of trekking on stress and anxiety

Recent studies have highlighted how the simple act of walking in nature can significantly reduce stress levels, calm anxiety and reduce the risk of depression. Nature, with its rhythms and landscapes, has an almost immediate effect on our psyche, helping us to free ourselves from daily worries and recharge ourselves with positive energy. Trekking, therefore, is not just a physical exercise but becomes a real moving meditative practice.

Can trekking be used as therapy?

The regular practice of trekking can be considered a form of natural therapy. “Forest therapy”, originally from Japan and known as Shinrin-yoku, is based precisely on this principle. Total immersion in green spaces, breathing pure air and surrounded by the tranquility of nature, can have therapeutic effects, improving the quality of sleep, increasing the ability to concentrate and promoting a general state of emotional well-being.

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Mental health and physical activity, how they are linked

The link between physical activity and mental health is now undisputed. Trekking, in particular, with its moderate pace and the ability to adapt to different levels of difficulty, it is accessible to all, making it a great choice for those looking to improve their mental health through exercise. The unique combination of physical exercise, contact with nature and isolation from the daily chaos makes trekking a particularly effective activity for combating stress and anxiety. More, you can use walking to lose weight.

What are the effects of trekking on the brain?

Walking in natural environments, away from the noise and distractions of urban life, stimulates the production of beneficial neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, chemicals linked to happiness and well-being.
Additionally, trekking can help reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, promoting a sense of calm and satisfaction. These biochemical changes have a direct impact on our mood, our ability to manage stress and emotional balance.

Using trekking for anxiety reduction

Physical activity, in general, has been recognized as an effective means for reduce anxiety, but trekking offers unique advantages in this sense. There concentration necessary to move on uneven terrain, the attention required to orient yourself and the satisfaction of reaching a destination or a panoramic point help to take the mind away from anxious thoughts, offering a positive and constructive form of distraction.

Walk in nature to find emotional balance

If you’ve tried it, you know it well: walks in nature significantly contribute to our emotional balance. They allow you to take a break from external stresses, offering a moment of introspection and deep connection with the environment. This close contact with nature helps to re-establish an internal balance, promoting a feeling of peace and tranquility that can hardly be replicated in other contexts.

it is a powerful mental well-being tool. Its ability to connect us with nature, to offer us an escape from the daily routine and to positively stimulate our body and mind makes it an indispensable activity for anyone seeking inner balance and optimal mental health.

How much to walk per week for mental well-being

To get the most benefit from trekking and significantly improve your mental well-being, studies suggest engaging in nature walks for at least 150 minutes a week, preferably divided into 30 minute sessions for 5 days. This is the WHO’s suggestion to lead a healthy life, taking a mix of moderate and vigorous exercise to keep the body and mind healthy.
However, we have seen how Even fewer minutes and fewer kilometers may be enough to feel good during weekly walks.

In any case, incorporate trekking into your weekly routine It doesn’t have to mean tackling challenging trails or distant destinations. Even shorter, accessible walks in local parks or nature reserves can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing. The important thing is to try to immerse yourself as much as possible in the natural environment, detaching yourself from the urban and technological environment.

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How much to walk based on gender and age

A study published in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health precisely defines the ideal number of steps by age and gender.

How much women need to walk to feel good based on age

From 18 to 40 years > 12 thousand per day
From 40 to 50 years > 11 thousand per day
From 50 to 60 years > 10 thousand per day
Over 60 years > 8 thousand per day

How much do men need to walk to feel healthy based on age

From 18 to 50 years > 12 thousand per day
Over 50 years > 11 thousand per day

How to start trekking from scratch?

For beginners, it is recommended gradually increase the duration and difficulty of your walks, listening to your body and respecting your limits. Regularity is key to experiencing the long-lasting benefits of trekking on mental wellbeing, so finding a balance and routine that works for your life is essential.
Through trekking, we can not only improve our physical fitness but also find inner peace and serenity that enrich our lives in unexpected ways. So, put on your hiking boots, venture into nature and let the path to mental wellbeing begin with every step you take.

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2024-03-28 10:00:44
#benefits #trekking #mental #wellbeing