We’re in the last month of Summer. However, we still have plenty of time to enjoy the good weather that will no doubt keep sporadically popping up through the beginning of Autumn. If you’re not a big beach-goer and parks are too crowded, there’s another option for you to get out there and enjoy the weather. We’re talking about hiking. Hiking Is a great way to explore nature, get fit and add a bit of variety to your life. But it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here’s why you should be more responsible on your hikes.
The relaxing power of nature
The first thing you need to do is give yourself up wholly to the therapeutic benefits of nature. Being in natural surroundings has real effects on fighting stress. Different environs are great for helping you gain some distance from the difficulties of everyday life. So make sure that you allow nature to have its full effect. Find the right place for you. Consider even taking a hike from a cabin or camping spot. Then leave the rest of the world behind. Turn your mobile off and avoid the danger of distraction. Just make sure that you let everyone know that you’re going and will be unreachable for some time. No need to allow people to panic.
Getting fit
Hiking is a naturally good way to get some exercise in; there’s no doubt about that. One hour of hiking can burn off over 500 calories. That is about a quarter of what a woman is supposed to eat in a day and a fifth if you’re a man. But taking on hikes that you’re not physically prepared for is dangerous. It’s entirely possible to push yourself too far. If you don’t have the stamina for the round trip, you can do serious damage to your muscles. No-one likes to get exhausted to the point of passing out, either. So build up to it. Take yourself out on a gentler trip first and work your way up in increments. Tackle longer distances and harder terrain as you go.
Get the lay of the land
With hiking, seeing new terrain is part of the whole experience. Getting lost, however, shouldn’t be. So do your research on hiking trails before you set off. Learn what landmarks you should identify on your way. Take someone with you, as well, so you don’t have to rely entirely on your own path finding skills. It’s also of vital importance that you have an accurate weather forecast. Not just to know whether you should dress up warm or light. Accuweather.com and similar sites can make sure that you’re going to have the visibility you need when hiking somewhere new. Don’t get yourself in the position of being unable to see where you’re going.
Dealing with wilderness pests
It’s nature, so you have to be prepared to deal with some of the less kind aspects of nature. For one, you should have an idea of what plants to avoid touching or walking through. In particular, nettles and poison ivy are going to make your trip a lot less comfortable if they don’t cut it short altogether. In more wooded areas, you’re also very likely to attract some pesky bug. Chiggers are amongst the most common and the most annoying. Rashes, hives and itching are their calling card. According to Homeremedyshop.com, mosquito repellent works as well on them as it does mosquitoes. If you do end up getting bit, there are a lot of cures you can improvise. Nail polish, castor oil and crushed aspirin are some of these. To make it easier to avoid nature’s prickly side, it’s recommended that you don’t wear clothing that exposes a lot of skin.
Don’t underestimate the sun
Bad weather can make it easier to get lost. But good weather can be just as dangerous if you’re not prepared for it. Sticking with the obvious, apply sun lotion. Otherwise, hiking will be as much about getting burned as it is about enjoying nature. But keep an eye out for dehydration in you as well as any in company you take with you. It can get serious if left untreated, so pay attention for signs of dry mouth, sleepiness, headaches and the like. Always take sizable steel sports water bottles with you.
As we’ve already said, nature can have a tremendous therapeutic effect on you. So can the exercise. If you get it right, hiking can easily become a lifelong passion even when Summer’s come and gone. So give it a try, but do it responsibly.
About Jammie Morey
Speak Your Mind