5 Benefits of a Hygge Hike

I don’t know if it’s being sequestered at home or the arrival of spring, or maybe it’s the reduced pollution, but I am loving spending time outdoors. The grass is so green here in Kansas and the sky is so extraordinarily blue. Again, maybe because of the reduced pollution. If you aren’t an outdoor person or have never tried going on a hike, this post is for you. Please enjoy the 5 Benefits of a Hygge Hike.

Oh, and don’t forget to download your hygge habit tracker on @hyggefamilyprints on Etsy, link below.

1. Hiking is Good for Your Health

Studies have shown hiking can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and body fat. It also increases flexibility and coordination, enhances relationships with family and friends and enhances you overall mental well being. What more could you want from a hike? Boost your mental and physical health by getting outside and taking a hike. It could be ten minutes or an hour, no matter what hiking is sure to help.

2. Hiking Improves Sleep Quality

Walking or climbing over uneven terrain uses more energy than walking over flat ground. It’s also relaxing for your mind and the sounds of nature are often very soothing. All of these things combined leads to improved sleep quality. Think about it, many people fall asleep to the sounds of nature on their sound machines. Why not get a little bit of the real thing to prepare your body for a good night of rest?

3. Hiking Can Help You Think More Clearly

Every day we are bombarded with technology and noise and general chaos. Taking a walk in nature helps reduce stimuli, which can clear your mind of all that mess. I’ve come up with some of my favorite ideas on a long hike. My husband and I have also been able to work through various decisions when we walk together. There is something about a nice long hike that helps one think more clearly. If you are trying to think through a big decision, I encourage you to go for a nice long hygge hike.

Pro Tip: Leave the headphones at home. Remember, a hike is about clearing your thoughts, not ingesting more noise.

4. Hiking Can Help You Reconnect or Take Time for Yourself

Sure, hiking is the perfect opportunity to spend time with family or friends. You can certainly use a long hike to build relationships. However, sometimes you just need a moment alone. I’m speaking to all the warrior mom and dads out there today who have been home with their kids in quarantine for the last couple months. A hygge hike is the perfect opportunity to get time to yourself, clear your head and reset after a taxing day. I highly recommend trying it out when you get some free time. As always, remember to be safe and mindful of your surroundings when hiking alone.

5. Hiking Helps You Be Present

My life theme verse is Psalm 4:10: “Be still and know that I am God…” After all these years, God is still teaching me how and when to be still. Hiking helps me to be present. I leave my headphones in my pocket and listen to the sound of the wind in the trees, birds singing, and water bubbling in the creek. I smell the earth and try to clear my mind of all the chaos of the day before. Hygge moments like these clear the way for God to speak. When we wash away distractions, we are able to hear His still small voice. Choose to be present and go for a hygge hike today.

Thank you for reading 5 Benefits of a Hygge Hike. For more tips and tricks on how to live a more simple, hygge-filled life, take a look at our latest content:

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Hygge & Holy Spirit: A 15 Day Devotion Download 

As always, if you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message me on Instagram. Follow @bestillandhygge on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and subscribe below for new content every week.

Love Always,