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You just scheduled a new deck to be built by Butler Contractors. You’re so excited to finally live in a home that’s surrounded by nature. While a new deck is a great way to reap the benefits of your new environment, you also met a local hiking group. You wonder just what hiking could offer to you.

Fret not, we’re here to teach you about 6 powerful benefits of hiking.

Photo by form PxHere

Inspires Creativity

One of the most wonderful benefits of hiking is that it inspires you to be creative. When you’re outside, exploring the wilderness – you tap into the childlike, adventurous spirit within you. In turn, this helps you to think in new ways and find new connections between the world around you. Whether you’re suffering from writer’s block or struggling to get into painting, going for a hike is sure to offer you creative inspiration with whatever your artistic heart desires.

Great for Physical Health

It’s no surprise that hiking has wonderful benefits towards your overall physical health. Hiking not only increases your endurance, but it also strengthens your leg, core, and arm muscles. It truly provides a full body workout. Of course, you can modify your workouts depending on how much of a physical challenge you are wanting.

Activity for Everyone

Hiking is not just for the young. This activity is meant for everyone. As we touched on previously, there are many modifications you can make when it comes to hitting the hiking trail. Many popular hiking destinations will let visitors know the difficulty level of each hike, so you can choose accordingly. You’re never too old or young to go out and explore the world!

Improves Mental Health

Researchers at Stanford University conducted a study that shows there’s a strong correlation with spending time outdoors and mental health. They found that more time outside can help relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and even make you at a lower risk for depression. If you’re feeling down, getting in nature is one of the easiest ways to cheer you right up. Hiking can also provide mental clarity, which in turn – can help you focus.

Tap Into Your Inner Curiosity

If you’re a lover of exploring the world around you, hiking is one of the best ways to tap into your inner curiosity. Hiking allows you to observe the natural environment around you while also getting more connected to your thoughts about it. This is why it’s not uncommon for hikers to bring a notepad along with them on their hike. This allows them to write down whatever comes to mind. You should try this the next time you go for a hike!

Mindfulness Benefits

There is a slew of positive benefits that come with practicing mindfulness. And no, you don’t need to sit down and meditate to become more mindful. Hiking in nature brings you back to the present moment. It helps you focus on your surroundings, instead of being trapped in incessant thinking. In essence, it allows you to just be without all the distractions of life and your thoughts.

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Take a break from looking at riding gear from Get Lowered Cycles and read some tips on how to practice self-love. If you find yourself consistently anxious, stressed, or feeling depressed – it might indicate that you haven’t made self-love a priority. That’s why we’re here to help with offering 6 tips to practice self-love.

Let’s dive in!

Photo by Belu Carrillo Asis

Gratitude Journaling

According to research, practicing gratitude is associated with an increase in happiness, feeling more positive, and building strong relationships. It makes sense as you’re taking the time to acknowledge the good in your life and giving thanks for it.  All too often, we tend to focus on what’s not going right. Gratitude journaling switches it up to where you express and feel all you have to be grateful in the present moment.

Practicing Yoga

Yoga is a wonderful practice to use if you’re wanting to strengthen your self-love. Yoga provides a feeling of calmness and helps to relax your mind. By regularly engaging in yoga, you build a deeper connection with your mind, body, and spirit. It helps to alleviate stress by grounding you in your body. In turn, this creates a safe space for self-love to grow.

Scheduled “Me Time”

When was the last time you took a day for yourself? In a busy world, it’s sometimes a challenge to set aside time for ourselves. However, it’s important that you take regular breaks that are dedicated to “me time” if you’re wanting to feel and show more self-love. Pick a day or afternoon where you can let yourself be present. Self-care and self-love days are crucial towards your overall well being.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is your greatest ally to fostering and nurturing self-love. Researchers say that mindfulness practices give you “the ability to relate to others and one’s self with kindness, acceptance and compassion.” This practice is simple once you get the hang of it. Try and set aside 10 minutes each day to practice mindfulness meditation. There are plenty of guided meditations available online if you’re not entirely sure where to start with it.

Positive Affirmations

It comes as no surprise that positive affirmations are useful when you’re wanting to practice more self-love. You can either write out your affirmations, vocalize them, or recite them in your head. Here are a few to get you started:

  • I know that I am always divinely and unconditionally loved.
  • Today, I choose to focus on the love and peace that is always within me.
  • I love myself, and others love for me who I am.
  • Something wonderful is on the verge of happening.

Fuel Your Body

If you’re practicing self-love, this also means that you’re taking care of your body. While love is a feeling, it also heavily involves your body. This is why you want to make sure that you’re treating your body with love as well as your mind. Consider if you’re ingesting foods that are good for you. Evaluate if you’re overconsuming or under consuming. Make the conscious choice to practice self-love before each meal.