Research has shown that spending time in nature increases creativity and problem solving by up to 50%[1]. According to researchers “Our results demonstrate that there is a cognitive advantage to be realized if we spend time immersed in a natural setting. We anticipate that this advantage comes from an increase in exposure to natural stimuli that are both emotionally positive and low-arousing; and a corresponding decrease in exposure to attention-demanding technology.”
You don’t have to live near the mountains to enjoy hiking. You can still get a great workout on trails at your city park; stepping over tree roots and balancing over uneven terrain is harder than it sounds! A great website for finding trails nearby is AllTrails.com. For each trail, AllTrails displays the length (miles), duration (minutes), and difficulty (easy, moderate, and hard), so choosing a trail that works for you is a cinch.
Before you hit the trails it’s important that you prepare. Always wear sunscreen and bug spray. Be sure to pack extra water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Then it’s time to get outside and explore some trails!
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