Mountains, with their majesty, beauty, and challenges, have long attracted people with their mystery and magic. But it’s not only fans of adventure and a passion for mountaineering and trekking who go there. Modern research confirms that mountains can be not only a place of active recreation but also an effective means for psychological therapy and improving health. It makes it especially helpful, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, constantly working at your desk, betting at 20Bet, and chatting with friends.
What really happens to our minds when we go to the mountains? Why do many psychologists recommend this type of leisure activity? Let’s figure it out together.
Influence of Mountains on the Psyche
Mountains have a unique ability to affect our mental state much better than regular meditations and physical experiences. Psychologists have noted that hiking and climbing can have a significant impact on improving mood and overall well-being. Here are a few aspects that are supported by research.
Improved Mood and Reduced Stress Levels
Studies show that outdoor activities such as mountain hiking promote the production of endorphins, the happy hormones. They help reduce stress levels and improve moods.
One of the key aspects that make mountains such an effective therapy tool is their ability to take people out of the ordinary and unlock their inner resources. When we are surrounded by high mountains and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, our thoughts calm down, and our minds become clearer and more focused.
This helps to harmonize our inner state, reduce stress and anxiety, improve our mood, and listen to ourselves, our bodies, and our spirits.
Lowering Anxiety Levels
According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, regular exercise in the mountains can significantly reduce anxiety levels. Fresh air, physical activity, and contact with nature help our bodies and brains relax and find inner peace.
Studies also show that mountain scenery and contact with nature have a calming effect on the psyche, reduce aggression and apathy, improve concentration, and promote inner relaxation.
Improving Sleep and Restoring the Nervous System
After a day of hiking or climbing a peak, you’re sure to feel tired physically but rested mentally. This natural fatigue helps you sleep better and recover faster from stressful situations.
A body that gets enough rest feels much better; its processes run properly and physiologically, which favorably affects mood and emotional background.
Gaining an Inner Core and Self-Reliance
According to psychologists, being in the mountains also helps develop psychological resilience and confidence. When we face difficulties and challenges in the mountains, we learn how to overcome obstacles, develop strategies to interact with our team, and improve our decision-making skills.
All of this builds our inner well-being and helps us cope with stressful everyday situations. It nurtures responsibility, an inner core, support, self-confidence, and a stoic attitude to difficulties.
Expert Opinions
Psychologists around the world confirm the positive effects of mountain hiking on mental health. Dr. John Reitley from the University of Colorado states:
“Staying in the mountains helps a person reach a state of meditation, which has a positive effect on their psyche and reduces stress levels.”
Many psychologists and psychotherapists actively recommend mountain hiking and climbing as an additional tool in the treatment of various mental health problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many others.
All in all, mountains are more than just heights above sea level, they are an opportunity to find new heights and support within yourself. They provide answers, question the importance of everyday anxieties, set the right focus, and help you breathe fully, both physically and mentally.
