Can Hiking Boost Your Mental Health?
May is Mental Health Awareness month—the perfect time to reflect on the many ways we can support our emotional well-being. And the data shows that many Americans need more tools to better support their mental health: “The rates of mental health disorders in the U.S. are estimated to be around one in five adults1, with higher rates among adolescents (and rising),” says Lisa Sanchez, PhD, clinical psychologist.
Experts share that these concerning numbers could even be under-reported, too. “Mental health challenges can exist on a spectrum,” says Brad Zehring, MD, board certified psychiatrist at Serenity Mental Health Centers. “Many people may not reach out for treatment, but their day-to-day lives are impacted by various forms of stress, loneliness, sleeping issues, and difficulty coping in life.”
I’ve personally found hiking to be a foolproof way to nip a low or anxious mood in the bud. I’m lucky enough to live near several hiking areas in Colorado, so I’ve seen this method work time and time again. Read on to learn more about why hiking is my ultimate mental health hack and how you can try it—regardless of where you live.
Excerpted from Real Simple
