Hiking, Nature, and Health: Why Time in the Woods is Good for Body and Mind
Hiking: Nature’s Remedy for Health
Yesterday’s hike in Mill Valley was incredible; we hiked through at least three separate weather patterns and different terrain…
Hiking is linked to longevity, and health span. It is a prescription to any bad day.
We love the fact that it’s linked to not only to reducing stress and benefits our bodies, but it has been linked directly to improving our microbiome!
In Japan, doctors sometimes recommend “forest bathing” (shinrin-yoku)—the therapeutic practice of spending time in a forest—as a way to improve mental and physical well-being.
At Rêve Health our members often receive hiking as part of their personalized guidance (depending on their labs). If they’re physiology doesn’t support hiking, we’ve often recommended that they just drive to the woods and find a place to sit.
That’s because we believe that nature is not just a backdrop to our lives but a vital component of our health. Hiking, in particular, offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond physical fitness, influencing our microbiome, mental clarity, and overall vitality.
Hiking as Moving Meditation
For many, hiking serves as a form of moving meditation. The rhythmic motion, combined with the natural surroundings, allows the mind to quiet and the body to rejuvenate. This practice has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function. Hiking is truly a prescription for any difficult day.
Most of our favorite hikes include winding trails through towering redwoods and serene creeks, but whether hiking in Marin or Vermont or anywhere, a beautiful landscape provides the perfect environment for reflection, meditation, and inspiration.
We are driven by beauty and serenity, and a day spent in these settings encourages mindfulness and creativity, making it ideal for reconnecting with yourself and your body.
The Microbiome Connection
Engaging with nature, especially through activities like hiking, exposes us to a diverse array of microorganisms.
These “old friends,” as some researchers call them, play a crucial role in training our immune system and maintaining gut health.
Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can increase microbial diversity in the gut, supporting immunity, reducing inflammation, and improving overall resilience.
Forest Bathing: Shinrin-Yoku
Originating in Japan, the practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing,” involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to promote health and wellbeing.
Research shows forest bathing can lower cortisol, reduce blood pressure, and enhance immune function (PMC).
These benefits are attributed to the phytoncides released by trees, which have antimicrobial properties and help improve mood and reduce stress.
The Importance of Nature in Our Lives
In our modern, technology-driven world, it is easy to become disconnected from nature. Re-establishing this connection is vital for health. Spending time outdoors not only improves physical wellbeing but also nurtures mental clarity, emotional balance, and a sense of purpose and community. Hiking and forest immersion reconnect us with the rhythms of life that support longevity and healthspan.
We are a part of nature; remembering that and spending intentional time in it is one of the keys to living your best life.
Hiking and forest immersion reconnect us with the rhythms of the natural world, reduce stress, and support both mental clarity and physical vitality.
At Rêve Health, we believe that integrating nature is essential for a vibrant, resilient, and fulfilling life.
If you’d like to transform all aspects of your health, we encourage you to become a member.
