By: Mona Gelfgatt, Sophomore
Whether it’s a staycation or a vacation, get out of bed and take a hike. Spring is springing. The birds are chirping, the sun is rising, and trees are finally blooming. Why stay in bed when that’s what you do every day? The best way to get out there and get a breath of fresh air is a hike.
Why, there’s so many options, each meeting your desires. You don’t have to be experienced to go out and hike, just have the passion and determination in you!
As you go up a mountain, your adrenaline is out of control. You earn this drive that continues your path and doesn’t let you stop. You might come to a point where you look up and it seems like an endless stairway. That endless stairway reaches a summit of peace.
There’s nothing quite like reaching the summit of a mountain. You know you’ve trudged all this way, and finally, you’re at a resting point. The view is spectacular; the silence of nature is beautiful. All thoughts of pain and anticipation are over.
Oh, and it is quite healing. Researchers at Stanford University say, “Being in nature can boost your mood and improve mental health. Spending quality time in the outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression.” The physical health benefits are also endless, with great build of muscle, and reduction of heart diseases. It’s one of the best forms of exercise, and it’s all free; and best of all, you can do it anywhere. There are mountains all around us, ready to be hiked upon.
So next time you have a weekend of boredom, grab your family or friends and go on a hike. You’ll never know what you’ll find, and trust me, it’ll be an incredible experience and will lead you to truly appreciate the nature and world around us.