Hiking, trekking, bushwalking or tramping no matter what you call it, going for a walk or climb, far from the madding crowd, is a beautiful way to connect with nature. If you've never thought about strapping on some boots and heading bush, there are lots of good reasons why you should. Hiking benefits your mind, body and soul; it rejuvenates the spirit and offers opportunities to build cardio and endurance fitness as well as flexibility. For some, hiking is a way to challenge themselves, and for others a social and fun activity or a way to escape the grind. According to Forests Australia, there are over 134 million hectares of bush to explore. So what are you waiting for? When hiking, the awe-inspiring sight of a mountain vista, the sweet melody of birdsong, delicate beauty of wildflowers or glimpsing morning dew clinging to a spider's web bathed in light are moments that can take your breath away. Experiencing Mother Nature can be humbling; you're connected and surrounded by a living, breathing thing and that can be balm to the soul.
When Darren Edwards, the founder of Trail Hiking Australia, began hiking in the bush, it turned his life around. He had worked hard and suffered from depression and burnout. I was trapped in the mentality of having to work harder and harder and one day it was like my world imploded,” says Edwards. Hiking enabled me to get rid of all the noise inside my head, and the pressures around me.” Hiking brings the present into focus. It's a way to let nature soothe and heal. It can help you to be present in the moment, as you feel the warmth and texture of a paperbark tree, watch a native animal drink from a nearby stream or close your eyes and feel the kiss of the morning sun.
Back to basics
This story is from the Issue 203 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 203 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOGA FOR IMPERFECTION
Life is messy and we all make mistakes, but by embracing imperfection, we can begin to accept all parts of ourselves.
Creating the foundations of ritualist self-care
As a busy mum of a three-year-old and expecting another baby, finding time for self-care often feels like a luxury.
Are you doom spending?
If \"doom spending\" has become your go-to for coping with stress, you could be making withdrawals from not just your bank account, but your health too.
THE POWER OF music
Most of us enjoy music. But science shows music is central to being human and its effect on us is far more astonishing and impactful than we realise. Music is fundamental to life.
SYNTHETIC FOODS
Synthetic, or genetically modified, fake meats and the like attempt to mimic real meat in both looks, taste and texture. But how much do we really know about the production process and how do they affect the environment and our bodies?
Embracing the power of nature
Menopause is more than just a biological change, it represents a significant life stage that can present numerous challenges - from hot flushes and mood swings to fatigue and sleepless nights.
Jan Fran
From a young age, Jan Fran's deep curiosity and keen interest in social issues sparked her journey into the world of journalism. As an accomplished journalist, media commentator and broadcaster, Fran's passion for storytelling has always been driven by a desire to explore, question and shed light on the world around her.
Helping teen girls thrive
Statistics reveal that many more teen girls are struggling with mental health issues. What's going on with them? More importantly, what can we do to help them flourish?
Your ageing eyes
Your eyes work hard for you every waking minute. It is no surprise that how your eyes age will be determined by how you protect them. Eating the right foods can go along way towards ensuring that your eyes stay healthy for a lifetime.
The bottom line
During the Couid pandemic, we were shocked to see people fighting in supermarkets over toilet paper and to see empty shelves that had once held roll after roll. The reasons behind the run for toilet paper during this time reflect the unique place that it holds in our psyche and are deeply rooted in our history.
