Hiking has seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years. Largely due to people wanting to spend more time in nature to get away from their day-to-day lives.

With a plethora of benefits both physical and mental, people are also beginning to look at outdoor activities such as hiking as form of alternative therapy known as Nature Therapy.

So, what is Nature Therapy and how can hiking benefit your mental health? Let’s take a look.

What is nature therapy?

Sometimes referred to as ‘Ecotherapy’, Nature therapy is an umbrella term for therapeutic treatment involving outdoor activities, taking place in nature.

Nature therapy focuses on an outdoor activity to improve mood and general wellbeing, making it very different from traditional talking therapies.

There are three main categories of Nature therapy:

Working in nature:

• Gardening
• Farming
• Conservation projects.

Experiencing nature:

• Walking/Hiking
• Cycling
• Running

Spending time with others in nature:

• Cooking/eating
• Camping
• Building shelters

Most of these activities can be completed either individually or in a group.

Hiking as Nature Therapy?

Hiking is commonly used as a form of Nature Therapy and falls under the ‘Experiencing Nature’ category.

For many hikers the health benefits go way beyond improvement to physical health. Spending time in nature whilst hiking allows time to slow down and reflect,

Mental health benefits of Hiking and Nature Therapy:

Reduces stress.

Time in nature is found to significantly reduce the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. Spending time outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of daily life can have an instantly calming effect.

Improved mood.

Hiking can make you happier! Physical activity like hiking releases endorphins, commonly known as the ‘happy’ hormones due to their connection to our moods.

Reduces loneliness.

Hiking with friends and family or taking part in a group nature therapy activity can help combat feelings of loneliness and create a sense of connection and community with others.

Improves Focus and Concentration.

The activity of hiking requires more attention and focus than you might think. Navigation and avoiding obstacles require you to be present and stay concentrated.

Increases creativity.

Removing the distraction of technology encourages us to think freely. Nature often stimulates the imagination resulting in increased creativity and problem-solving.

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