Happy Trails: Looking at the best hiking spots in Pacifica
Even in the midst of a pandemic, hiking a mountain is still a great way to get exercise, breathe the fresh air, and most importantly, have fun!
Enrique Liganor/The Skyline View
By Zack Navarra Staff Contributor
@Mr_CL34N
It’s time to go outside! That doesn’t just mean a few steps past your door, it’s time to really go outside and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s time to go hiking, and no, I am not forcing you to climb Mount Everest. All I am asking is that we start looking towards our local trails, something any ammature can do. Besides the fact that it is simply a fun time, it’s good for you too. “Hiking is one of the best ways to get exercise. No matter what type of trail you find yourself on, hiking is a great whole-body workout—from head to toe and everything in between,” the National Parks service (NPS) states. “Check out all of these physical benefits of hiking: building stronger muscles and bones, improving your sense of balance, improving your heart health and decreasing the risk
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of certain respiratory problems.” A simple but effective way to wake your body up after a year of hibernation. The health benefits go beyond the physical and reach into the mental. An article titled “Stanford researchers find mental health prescription: Nature” by Rob Jordan covered a Stanford study which found that being in nature reduces the likelihood of depression. The study found that walking through nature for 90 minutes minimized activity in regions of the brain known for causing depression. There is also a belief that hiking can improve the relations you hold with other people. “Hiking with a partner, or even in a group, can improve the strength and health of your relationships,” NPS stated. “Because hiking ranges in difficulty from an extremely challenging climb to a casual way of spending time outside, it’s a great way to strengthen the friendships or bonds you have with your companions.” From improving your mind to building your muscles, hiking is something we can implement into our lives. It’s time to take to our Volume 6
