Study: Hiking makes you a happier person

[Melensdad]

I know that I am a happier person when I do it

Now 2 major univerisites, one in the US the other in the UK, have confirmed it. People who go on hikes or nature walks are not only happier than people who don't, but they also have less stress.

During reasonably fair weather I try to do 5 miles a day, mostly along the roadway becuase its the only place where there are logical paths to follow. We have a nice creek behind us, we can walk along that, but there are plenty of places where there is not path and, depending upon the crops planted in the fields along the creek, its not always prudent to walk the fields. But the 5 miles we do crosses several creeks, has great little valleys and some nice hills.

If you don't hike, give it a try.

http://www.outsideonline.com/news-from-the-field/Study-Hiking-Makes-You-Happier.html

Study: Hiking Makes You Happier
Research shows outdoor walks improve mental health
By: Lauren Steele


British and American scientists have published new research showing that group nature walks help us combat stress while boosting mental well-being.

Researchers from the University of Michigan and Edge Hill University in England evaluated 1,991 participants in England’s Walking for Health program, which hosts nearly 3,000 walks per week for more than 70,000 regular participants. They found that the nature walks were associated with significantly less depression in addition to mitigating the negative effects of stressful life events and perceived stress. The findings were published in the September issue of Ecopsychology.

Sara Warber, associate professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and senior author of the study, said that the large sample was a defining factor.

“We observed behaviors of a large group, in which some chose to walk and some chose not to, instead of us telling them what to do,” she said. “After 13 weeks, those who walked at least once a week experienced positive emotions and less stress.”

Warber and co-author Kate Irvine, senior researcher of the Social, Economic, and Geographical Sciences Research Group at the James Hutton Institute, in Aberdeen, UK, recommend walking outside in nature at least three times a week to experience benefits. Short, frequent jaunts are more beneficial than long, occasional walks.

“Stress isn’t ever going to go away, so it is important to have a way to cope with it,” said Warber. “Walking in nature is a coping mechanism—the benefits aren’t just physical.”

 

[luvs]

i, personally, could not deal w/ that slow sorta pace, although i can see how many may very well benefit. endorphins, calm settings, nature, surroundings-- that is a logical line of thought.

 

[Doc]

One of my thoughts (refuse to call them 'resolutions') for this new year is to walk in our woods more (rather than get on the RTV or ATV to ride through the woods). It's just so dang muddy now, after the snow from this past weekend but I guess a little mud never hurt anyone. Be like a boy scout and BE PREPARED.

 

[Melensdad]

One of my thoughts (refuse to call them 'resolutions') for this new year is to walk in our woods more (rather than get on the RTV or ATV to ride through the woods). It's just so dang muddy now, after the snow from this past weekend but I guess a little mud never hurt anyone. Be like a boy scout and BE PREPARED.

Old Swedish Proverb: There is no bad weather, only bad clothes

 

[JEV]

Just getting outside and doing some exercise like walking/jogging/running will do wonders for your peace of mind. I log my walks on MapMyRun.com and MyFitnessPal.com (both free), and have logged over 300 miles since June 2014, and burned over 76,000 calories in the process (the app keeps track fro you). I also use STRAVA which is a free app for smart phones that utilizes your built-in GPS to log your walk and to create a map as well. Me and Mrs JEV walk as often as we can, and we can be found with the Mall Walkers on Saturday & Sunday mornings when the weather sucks, logging 4 miles each trip in under 60 minutes. Our last 4 outings have been around 57 minutes for 4 miles. We both feel more alert, forget less (but still forget), and sleep better after having a good workout.

When the weather is decent, we have several parks nearby where we can get out and walk the woods, marinas, the Lake Erie shoreline or local rivers. Our Metroparks system has some great trails with all different levels of difficulty. Otherwise, we walk almost every evening in the neighborhood, logging at least a 5K workout.