What is all round us and billions and billions of years old? It is the beautiful Earth! More than often, we ignore it for our busy lives. However, Earth’s environment should not be disregarded and can be used as a way to get to know yourself.
I have recently hiked in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Just a 5.6-mile hike with a 1,120 ft elevation gain and the most difficult rating made me feel alive. Just going into nature allowed me to challenge my mental health. One of the changes was my mindset. When hiking uphill at steep elevation while watching out for rocks and tree roots, pushed me into two decisions. The first was to become negative, complain and give up. The next option was to have a positive mindset and to keep going. Instinctively, I chose to become determined and pushed past the pain. I learned that in times of hardship, I will always choose to become driven, dedicated and motivated.
When walking up the trail I took a few photos. This is so I did not get distracted from the beauty right in front of me. Photos cannot encapsulate the mood or feeling in that movement. I became more thankful for the moment and enjoyed all the emotions that I could not feel again. Being able to see all the amazing sites allowed me to improve my mental clarity and reduce stress. I truly felt free from all judgment.
Hiking allows you to understand yourself and have a deep appreciation for your surroundings. Spending time in nature reduces stress while improving your endurance. I boosted my self-esteem and confidence. So, what are you waiting for? Get into nature!