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SALT LAKE CITY — You've heard the phrase, "Take a Hike!" But did you know if you take that hike in the mountains, you may actually increase your brainpower?
A hike surrounded by nature can actually reduce your anxiety and negative thoughts. A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found getting out in nature can decrease overthinking and obsessive thoughts by a significant margin.
A hiking group called, "The Legit Hiking Mamas of Utah County" agreed with the study's findings.
"It clears your mind. It takes you away from the hustle and bustle of everything going on in life," said Annette Macpherson, hiking group founder.
MacPherson started this group after setting a goal to hike Mount Timpanogos before she turned 50. She did that last year, then decided to do it again and invite anyone who wanted to join her. Now the group keeps growing.
"It's so much fun as you're walking down a trail or up a trail to hear the chatter of these women getting to know each other and honestly expressing their love of the outdoors and beauty and taking advantage of everything we have right here," said MacPherson.
For many of the women in the group, they joined to get physically fit. Their 6-to 8-mile hikes, one-to-two times a week have quickly turned into mental therapy.
The researchers reported hiking actually stops brain shrinkage and improves your grey matter. It's like recharging your body's batteries.
"Honestly it affects my way of looking at things, just because I don't think so much about myself and worry about my issues. I get outside and I see all the beauty that's around me," said hiker Sandy Modersitzki.
Another study published by PLOS One says disconnecting and going offline in the mountains can promote creativity and better problem-solving. Walking near water seems to have the biggest effect.
"We just always seem to do hikes with water, and we must gravitate to them," said Modersitzki. "They're all beautiful."
A 2010 report in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, says escaping out into nature even for five minutes at a time will give your self-esteem a huge boost.
"I don't need a therapist, I've got my girls. This is my therapy," said hiker Stephanie Collins.
Hiker Carla Merrill agreed. "It's cheaper and more effective than retail therapy," she said.
If you're considering hiking, check out the All Trails app. Intermountain LiVe Well also has a website, intermountainhealthcare.org/live-well/move-well/healthy-hikes, where they list healthy hikes by level and provide detail descriptions and directions.
