How hiking helped my mental health: Guest post by Arie Abtahi

In 2017, I worked at a corporate office job where I spent my days in a cubicle. My mind was always clouded with deadlines, meetings, and emails that never seemed to stop. I struggled to find time for personal hobbies and realized there had to be more to life than the repetitive office life cycle. 

I glanced at my coworkers, noticing the fake smiles on their faces and the emptiness in their eyes, which mirrored what I felt. The pressure to meet expectations, the unending stream of meetings and reports, and the absence of purpose in my work weigh heavily on me, making it hard to enjoy life. I wanted something new, something existing, something I had never done before. I needed a change. 

One day, while flipping through a magazine at the doctor’s office, I stumbled upon a breathtaking photo of a hiker on a mountain peak. The sheer beauty of nature captured my imagination, and I was instantly hooked. Even though I never hiked before the idea of being outdoors and surrounded by nature had always appealed to me. I quickly found an online hiking community where I discovered tips and advice for a beginner like myself. 

Later that week, I shopped at an outdoor store and purchased all the necessary hiking gear. I laced up my boots, grabbed my backpack, and headed to a nearby trail I read about online. For my first trail, I had chosen the Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls trail, a 3-mile hike that was supposed to be challenging, yet rewarding. 

As I started hiking, I felt the tension in my shoulders melt away. The sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind soothes my soul. When I first decided to take hiking as a hobby, I felt a little hesitant because I wasn’t sure if I was physically fit enough or if my new hobby would be detrimental to my job, but as soon as I got on the trail, I knew I made the right decision.

I walked at my own pace, breathing in the crisp air and enjoying the stunning views. My mind began to quiet down as I immersed myself in nature. I noticed the beauty in the simplest things, like a blooming flower or a babbling brook. As I continued on the trail, the rocky path led me to a beautiful creek. The water was crystal clear and flowed gently over smooth stones. I could hear the soft sound of the water as it bubbled and gurgled over the rocks. It was a peaceful and serene sight

I kept going, pushing myself to climb higher and explore further. I felt a sense of accomplishment with every step I took. The physical exertion and connection with nature invigorated me in a way my office job never could.

After that first hike, I make it a regular part of my routine. I prioritize spending time outdoors, and it has become my sanctuary. I even started to go camping after my positive experience of being outdoors. I notice a positive shift in my mental health. I’m less stressed, more focused, and happier overall. Even my co-workers noticed the difference in my mood at work.

I even invited my co-workers to go hiking with me. I knew it would be a fun adventure and a great way to bond with my colleagues, who I felt were stuck in a rut. To our delight, everyone was thrilled about the idea and joined me on my next trip. 

Hiking has transformed my life in ways I never expected. It’s taught me to appreciate nature’s simple pleasures, prioritize self-care, and find balance in my busy life. Being surrounded by nature’s beauty has a therapeutic effect on me, helping me to reduce stress, clear my mind, and gain a fresh perspective on life’s challenges.

Now 5 years later, I’m no longer just surviving my office job. I’m thriving, and hiking has become my secret weapon. It’s a reminder that nature has the power to heal, rejuvenate, and inspire us all. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step outside and let nature work its magic. You might find yourself on a breathtaking adventure that forever changes your life.