TAKE A HIKE
Hiking is a simple yet very beneficial outdoor activity. Living in the great state of Pennsylvania provides one with a wide selection of places to hike. In particular the Poconos is a great place to start. From the trails on Camelback Mountain to Columcille Megalith Park you'll find many free places to hike. Lets look at all the benefits:
Hiking makes for a good low impact cardio workout. This helps keep your blood flowing and your heart healthy. It also improves bone density because its a weight bearing workout. You also tone and build muscle in your leg muscles and hips. As you negotiate the terrain, you'll improve your balance. And most of us can stand to lose a few pounds. Hiking helps burn calories and keep your weight down.
Its proven that walking in nature does wonders for your mind. Getting away from technology and the cacophony of everyday life is paramount. Hiking couldn't be better than this. You get a literal change of scenery as you hike and explore a new place. Your mind is working on dealing with the terrain and taking it all in. You're mildly engaged in deciding which way to go and how to do it, so it takes your mind of the day to day worries.
Being surrounded by nature gives on all sorts of things to observe and take in. Domenico Ghirlandaio, Michelangelo's mentor and teacher had a quote up on the wall in their studio: "Nature is the most perfect guide" He was referring to nature being a guide to them as artists. The patterns, colors, and shapes are just perfect. They're artwork in themselves!
To take the mental relaxation a step further, try sketching what you see. You don't need to be an artist to try this. Just do it for fun. As you take a closer look at nature as you sketch, your mind is in a totally different mode from your day to day thoughts. Your sketches will serve as a visual journal of your hike.
Journaling is a great thing to do on your hike as well. You'll need to take a rest at some point. Whip out the journal and write about anything - your hike, your problems and worries, your next great idea ... whatever it is take advantage of the clarity you have on your hike to get your thoughts out.
Depending on where you're hiking, you may need some gear. No matter where you're hiking you'll need a good pair of hiking boots. This will keep you sure footed. You'll also need some basics like snacks and something to drink.
If you're going on a more involved hike be certain to have a first aid kit with you and that your phone is fully charged before heading out. That being said, be sure to take plenty of pictures to capture the moment, but don't get sucked into looking at your phone. You can post on social later. Stay in the moment!
If you work some climbing into your hike, we're got the gear for that too! Check out our extensive assortment of climbing gear. Just be careful!
You can turn your hike into a camping trip to take things to the next level. We have everything you need for a stellar campsite - tents, sleeping cushions, solar chargers, hammocks and more.
So hike on over to Easton Outdoor Company to get everything you need for your next trek.