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Take a Hike! It's like a happy pill

Plan a hike in the woods with your friends and family. It will not only bring down your stress level but also enhance your well-being.

Written by Editorial Team | Published : November 5, 2019 7:03 PM IST

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Take A Hike! It's Like A Happy Pill

What people often don’t understand is that there is a clear difference between rest and inactivity. While it may seem like a good idea to sit and rest at home, spending your entire holiday just watching television will harm your body. According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), inactivity is linked to a variety of health issues like cardiovascular disease, heart disease osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity and certain types of cancer. The study also states that risk of these disease can be reduced significantly through physical activity. One such physical activity is hiking. If you think hiking is pushing it a little, then here are all the benefits to convince you otherwise.

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Strengthens The Leg

Strengthens the leg: Hiking is considered to be a complete leg workout. Climbing mountains, and coming back, helps stimulate the glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves. Climbing mountains is not that much different from lunges and coming downhill. It works your glutes and quads by slowing you down against the force of gravity and your weight. To slow you down, your body tenses up the knees and hips to prevent a fall. Also Read - US-Iran-Israel War Updates: Is the war making you anxious? A mental health guide for living in an age of constant crisis

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Works Your Core Muscles

Works your core muscles: Apart from your legs, you also need your abs, obliques, and lower back muscles to safely work your way through a tough terrain. Hiking involves carrying a 5 kg bag on your back, which makes your core muscles work harder.

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Social Benefits

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