Yemane Abraham: Hiking for Better Mental Health

Many people already know all about the physical health benefits of hiking. However, Yemane Abraham has noticed that many people do not know that hiking can do wonderful things for a person’s mental health as well. Today, Yemane Abraham is here to talk about some of the benefits of hiking on the brain.

As a person who knows all about the daily stressors of the workplace, Yemane Abraham has noticed throughout the years that engaging in exercise such as hiking can help the brain relax. Specifically, Yemane Abraham notes that physical and mental stress are reduced by the enhanced production of norepinephrine, a chemical in the body that is produced when you work up a sweat.

Other chemicals are also given a boost when you go for a hike, says Yemane Abraham. For example, hiking helps release endorphins, which are known for increasing overall happiness. Yemane Abraham adds that hiking an also help people suffering from mental illness such as depression or anxiety for this reason.

Additionally, exercising outdoors instead of inside in a gym can help increase self-esteem, says Yemane Abraham. The sunshine helps you absorb more vitamin D, which, according to Yemane Abraham, can actually make depressive symptoms far less severe.

For those who are aging, hiking can be an excellent way to help prevent some of the mental issues that come along with getting older, says Yemane Abraham. With regular exercise like hiking, diseases like Alzheimer’s are not cured but can be kept at bay, adds Yemane Abraham.