I’ve always thought hiking was good for me. Now I know why.
Recently I came across a fascinating article and infographic by Arun at Riderstrails.com. He explained in detail the health benefits of going a regular hike. As I and many of my readers are keen hikers, I asked Arun if I could post his infographic on Discovering Belgium. He agreed, and also kindly wrote an introduction:
“Did your healthcare practitioner ever tell you to go for a hike? If a doctor really wishes to take good care of your health, then he/she may definitely suggest you hiking. Doctors are now of the opinion that those individuals who spend some of their quality time out in the Mother Nature will be enjoying less amount of stress and will be having a good physical health as well.
“Taking a hike through the woods along with enjoying the foliage as well as the birds, breathing in the aroma of pine trees and the spruce will help to soothe your mind and make you feel really good. In this way, you can learn the credible ways of improving your state of mind. By having a healthy mind, you can also have a healthy body with fresh and positive thoughts.
“There are many doctors who prefer or recommend ‘nature prescriptions’ for lowering anxiety related issues, control depression, enhance the stress levels and many more. In addition to this, nature prescriptions are widely accepted by doctors now since there are many studies which point out the benefits of spending time in the greenery. Luckily, we can say that hiking is one among the less expensive and the easiest method in which you can get involved in sports. You can start with a small hike and increase the duration of the next hikes.
“So how does hiking make you healthier? You can check out the below mentioned 23 ways of hiking which benefit your health. Find more detailed benefits of hiking from Riderstrail.com.” – Arun

Thanks Arun! I particularly like your description of “nature prescriptions”. If anyone wants to share their own benefits of hiking, feel free to add a comment below.
Arun has also shared other great stuff with me, including articles on fire safety and hiking with your dog.
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We really notice it when we don’t get one of weekly long walks in. We don’t sleep as well, often grumpy and certainly less energetic. Now I know why!
That resonates with me Becky!
I just love little Lego-man 🙂 must have. I also acknowledge the getting grumpy after a longer period of not being able to go hiking. 😉
Yes, I wish I looked as cool in my hiking gear as Mr. Lego does. Hey I can’t imagine you ever being grumpy Guido!
Heavens! I’d best get out of this chair right now, Denzil! 🙂 🙂 Thanks for sharing, and happy Easter to you and yours!
And the same to you Jo! Hope all goes well for you this year, which looks like being a “rather busy” one for you!
Great tips, and I really like the Lego hiker. 🙂
Yes Judy, I am considering modelling myself on him as he is so stylishly cool. I don’t think I will succeed though.
Well, that about sums it up 🙂 We love walking so it is good to know that it’s also good for us! Not that I didn’t already know, though good to be reminded. Yes, the Lego hiker is great!
Lego characters have changed so much haven’t they? I remember when there was just one unisex Lego character, and you had to use a lot of imagination!
The good old days where imagination was the essential part of all play!
These reasons sound good enough to me. I do prefer a flat walk to an uphill one though.
So you are not the person who is attempting their 22nd ascent of Mount Everest then Carol?
No, that must be a different Carol. The only mountain I’m interested is the chocolate one in the bowl on the kitchen bench. 🙂 Best I get walking again tomorrow!
Don’t be modest Carol, I’ve seen you walking up plenty of hills on your blog!
This is true, but I do prefer downhill to uphill.
It’s good to have the endorsement that at least one enjoyable pastime is good for us! And it’s free!
And they can’t take that away from us Theresa! (Hopefully)
Hiking is one of the best exercise we can do. Not only we enjoy but at the same we feel so close to nature.
Totally agree! Thanks for reading and commenting
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