My love of the outdoors started out as a child; camping in the garden, walking my dog, and mucking about in the local woods on bikes. Fast forward into adulthood and I'm hiking, mountain-biking, running… basically, anything that gets me outside. I’ve spent many memorable days hiking in the mountains of the UK, in particular the Lake District which I love. Now, as a qualified Mountain Leader, I help others discover the benefits of these magical places too.
As well as obvious physical benefits, getting into the hills & mountains can be the perfect boost for your mental well-being. When I step onto the trails, any stress and anxiety I’m carrying around seems to fade. It's like Mother Nature's very own therapy session. The mountains have this uncanny ability to put things into perspective. I think it’s the beauty, the vastness, the challenge of a big day out in the wild, that somehow makes worries seem smaller and much more manageable. It's like hitting the reset button for your mind.
And then there's the endorphins! You don't need to be a fitness guru to experience the euphoria that comes with a good hike. The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other gets those endorphins flowing - suddenly, you feel more alive, more present and more mindful. And it's not just the peaks that can give these highs. There’s beautiful, accessible valley floor walks too, with the mountains providing a stunning backdrop to crystal clear lakes and raging rivers.
And finally, the camaraderie. Whether tackling a challenging route with friends, or going alone and making new trail buddies, the mountains bring people together. There's something about getting out and facing the elements that forms the strongest of bonds and memories. Team away-days in the hills anyone?!
So, if you need a mental well-being "boost", lace up those boots and hit the trails. Embrace the peaks, breathe in the mountain air, and let nature work its magic!