Southern California residents are privileged to be surrounded by natural beauty. From beach trails to mountain treks, California is one of the few states that offers almost every type of topography.
Not only is it a great way to explore the scenery our great state has to offer but hiking is one of the most healthy activities to partake in. Hiking has many health benefits including building muscle mass, strengthening endurance, reducing the risk of diseases, lowering cholesterol, and improving life expectancy. According to Run Repeat, hiking for more than 30 minutes a day, for 5 days a week, can reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease by 19%.
Many hikers use hiking as a stress-relieving outlet. Some hikers use the activity as an escape from reality, a time of rejuvenation, and relaxation. Exercise is a proven mood booster, and hiking combines the beauty of nature with the benefits of exercise. Its effects not only benefit your physical health but also can help balance your mood.
“It’s a great way to disconnect from your everyday life and you can really learn a lot about yourself, it’s also great for your physical and mental health,” Lily Carey (12).
“It definitely brings you solitude, it brings you to a completely different place” Paige Hanson (11).
Orange County alone has over 60 different trails, stretching through beach trails, mountains, and greenery.
“I always grew up around the outdoors, my family is very outdoorsy.I grew up skiing, hiking, and spent time camping,” Carey.
Hiking can be very taxing, on both the mind and the body. Difficult hikes can be very dangerous, and daunting when looking at the path above.
“I recently hiked Half Dome which was 18 miles in a day which was definitely super hard and mentally challenging but super rewarding and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Every second you looked up you would see a different view of Half Dome or the mountains in Yosemite, it was amazing I loved it,” Carey.
“In Big Bear, there’s a trail, Casper’s peak, and it’s so high up and six and a half miles long, you can see the whole entire lake,” Hanson.
Keeping tenacity and strength throughout hiking is proven to be key when taking on challenging trails. Reminding yourself of the end goal, and enjoying it along the way is vital to skilled hikers.
“One foot in front of the other… you just have to keep going and remind yourself it’s a journey and you have to learn,” Carey.
Recently, the practice of being grounded has started trending. Hiking is another way to be grounded in nature. The recent trend of being grounded follows the process of being connected to Earth’s electrical energy. This practice relies on the theory that being more connected with nature has positive benefits within your mind and body. Being grounded includes outdoor activities, and having direct contact with nature.
“I definitely believe in the practice of being grounded” Hanson.
The hiking lifestyle expands beyond just the trails. Many take on the hiking aesthetic in their lives. The granola aesthetic has become increasingly popular, influencing the way people dress, shop, and eat. The granola aesthetic is based on living a healthy lifestyle surrounded by nature. Many hikers embody this lifestyle and strive to live a more balanced, healthy life surrounded by nature.
“In middle school, I was always inside, when coming out of my shell, going outside and going outdoors has completely changed my life,” Hanson.
