It is generally accepted that exercise is good for your body and brain. One of the best simple exercises is just going for a walk. Plenty of studies have shown how just this one activity has many health benefits.

It is also well documented that spending time in nature is beneficial for our brain and health.

So what if we combine these two activities?

I call it hiking and the benefits of walking and being in nature compliment each other perfectly. A recent book Successful Aging by neuroscientist Daniel Levitin looked at many aspects of protecting your body and brain as we age. One of the concepts was just how powerful hiking can be.

Hiking is more than simply taking a walk. Your brain is much more alert as you navigate over roots and rocks or duck under a tree branch. You are paying attention to the animals and plants you encounter. Our brain was designed to map out our location and where we are going. We have been on the move exploring long before we had GPS to tell us where to go. This navigation skill works a specific part of our brain that isn’t challenged as much as it should be. As with everything in our body the brain works under a use it or loose it principle, so hiking strengthens our brain.

Being in nature also allows our mind to reset and focus. Many creative people report how their best ideas come while out taking a walk. You also can’t discount the health benefit of being out in the fresh air and getting vitamin d naturally from the sun.

So if someone tells you to “take a hike” see it as a compliment and go for a stroll in the woods.