The old idiom “Go take a hike!” has turned out to be excellent advice after all! National Take a Hike Day highlights the significant benefits this accessible activity has on our overall health. Whether crossing off national parks from your bucket list or exploring your neighborhood more, getting outside improves our general well-being.

Surrounding ourselves with nature unplugs us from our digitized lives. As tempting as it can be to listen to the latest podcast episode on a sizeable trail, try listening instead to the sounds of wildlife, the breeze, and the rhythmic pace of your step. Notice the quiet and still serenity that hums underneath it all. Reconnect with the symbiosis of the natural world by observing flora and fauna. Spending time outdoors and observing nature can inspire a newfound or concretized sense of purpose, belonging, and meaning within us.

Feeling disconnected from the natural world is easy if you live in a concrete jungle. Pay attention to signs of nature, such as planted trees and foliage dotted across avenues, seasonal flowers displayed on storefronts, or weeds growing out of cracks in the street. Focusing on organic life within dense cities can train your brain to pay closer attention to the present moment, relish in the sublime details, and feel connected to the bigger picture. Hiking is not about where you are but how you approach the task. And all you need to bring is yourself. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

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The Future of Connection for Women