Spending time in nature can have a profound effect on our mental health and well-being. Recently, I have found myself doing solo hikes to simply glow in nature. There are few things more intimate than a solo hike. Something about being surrounded by the natural world that can soothe our souls and help us feel more at peace.
A hike should be physically tiring, but I’ve been feeling more recharged than ever. I completed a 6.5-mile hike going up and down a mountain and although my phone was dying, I had run out of water, and my ankle socks kept folding under my feet, I felt I could keep walking forever. It was as if nature was my pre-workout.
Not only do you get to enjoy the beauty of nature, but you also get the chance to spend some quality time with yourself. There’s something magical about being alone in the woods, surrounded by trees, dirt, and bugs.
Here are just a few reasons why solo hikes can be healing to your soul:
- Time to reflect
When you’re out on a solo hike, there are no distractions and you get to take as many breaks as you need without feeling guilty. You’re not surrounded by other people talking, and you’re not glued to your phone. Instead, you’re able to fully immerse yourself in the experience of being in nature. Need to catch your breath? Sit down on that rock and take in the view for as long as you need. Go for it, nobody’s judging you. This can give you the space and time you need to reflect on your life, your goals, and your feelings.
- A chance to disconnect
We live in a world that’s constantly connected. We’re bombarded with emails, text messages, and notifications from social media. But when you’re out on a solo hike, you have the chance to disconnect from all of that. You can leave your phone behind, or put it on airplane mode, and just focus on being present in the moment. If you’re like me and your phone is always dying, then you have no choice but to listen to the sweet music of nature.
- A boost to your mental health
Spending time in nature has been shown to have a positive effect on our mental health. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, boost our mood, and increase feelings of well-being. If you are lucky, the sun will be out and you can get a good dose of vitamin D. The sunshine vitamin helps regulate serotonin levels in the brain. Please wear your sunscreen but soaking up some sun can help reduce symptoms of depression and improve your overall well-being.
- A sense of accomplishment
When you go for a solo hike, you’re taking on a challenge. You’re testing your physical abilities, your navigation skills, and your mental toughness. And when you complete your hike, you’ll have a sense of accomplishment that can boost your confidence and self-esteem. As someone who can park my car and immediately forget where I parked, successfully finding my car after a good hike is like getting to the finish line in a race.
- A chance to connect with nature
Finally, a solo hike can give you the chance to connect with nature in a deeper way. Grounding is a healing method that aims to restore your energy by establishing a connection with the earth. When you’re out in the wilderness by yourself, you’re able to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Put your feet on the ground while you listen to the sounds of the birds, feel the wind on your face, and experience the stillness of the forest.
I challenge you to spend more time outdoors. I challenge you to glow in nature. Taking time to enjoy nature by looking at flowers, getting fresh air, smelling the earth, and soaking in the sun can be a refreshing and rejuvenating experience for the mind, body, and soul.
