Lessons Learned from a Day Spent in Nature

Hiking is a passion of mine. Give me a pair of hiking boots, a few bottles of water, maybe some snacks, and I am ready to go. I spent my Fall break going on a few day hikes, choosing to get in as much outdoor time as I could before the beautiful season slipped away. As the seasons of hiking come to a close, I thought I’d take some time to reflect on the lessons you can learn by spending a day in nature.

We are one with the Earth

There’s something therapeutic about spending a day in the mountains. It’s relaxing, feeling the fresh air fill your lungs and the dull burn in your legs as you move up, up, up. The trees rustle, the squirrels scamper, and the birds chirp from above in the bright, blue sky. You start to feel at peace, and a deep sense of connection and belonging when you are out in the natural world. Home is where the mountains are.

You are Stronger than You Think

When you think you cannot go any further, you surprise yourself. Sometimes, it’s painful. Your legs burn, the sweat is dripping in your eyes, and all of a sudden your shoes feel significantly heavier. But just keep going. Without struggle, you don’t grow. So the half-mile trek that essentially goes straight up – and just keeps going – will be worth it. You will surprise yourself. Your strength comes from within.

You Don’t Have to Have it All to Feel on Top of the World

I’m 21 years old and broke. I essentially live on soup and apples. I write at least one paper a week and constantly feel behind on my work. But when I am out in nature, all of that anxiety and stress melts away. Suddenly, my bank account doesn’t matter so much. The impending doom I feel about next week’s exam is miniscule. Instead, I am at the top of the world, both literally and figuratively. The endorphins are running high, and my problems sink into the background.

We Are Small

Standing at the top of the mountain, overlooking all the roads and towns down below serves to remind us just how small we are, and how vast our planet is. It’s beautiful, yet it can make you feel incredibly insignificant. It’s important to remember that although we are small, collectively our voices can be heard. Use them to change the world for the better.

The View is Better With a Friend

Everyone knows that an experience is always better when you have someone to share it with. Whenever I come home I know that my friend Lindsey will be willing to go on a hike with me, no matter the season. Hiking with a friend provides you with support, motivation, and drive to make yourself better. You pull each other up when things get steep. And most importantly, you have someone to share the view with, because who wants to be alone at the top of the world?

#christine #health #wellness #mentalwellness #hiking #nature #lessonsfrom #lessons #lifestyle #gooutside