Having a clear mind – or why hiking is an alternative to meditation

I still remember what I felt the first time I went hiking – a feeling of freedom, calmness and happiness. The moment when I became one with nature.

I doubted a lot before I decided to go for this type of activity but hiking in Switzerland is definitely worth it.

Stress, uncertainty, anxiety – 2020 brought these topics to the forefront. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic recession have negatively affected many people’s mental health and created new barriers in our lives. But what is the best way to cope with the stress, especially when you just moved to a new country? My answer is hiking.

Switzerland is a superb place for hiking, at any time throughout the year. The world-famous scenery, the excellent public transport, the dense network of footpaths, and meticulous signposting make for a good day out.

Hiking is also a great way to clear your mind and balance life. We are constantly staring at screens and checking our phones, always plugged into the network of the world. Hiking provides a welcome break from the feeling of always being ‘switched-on’.

My first hike was in the Jungfrau region five years ago. It was a sunny day at the beginning of September. I did not have any special equipment with me, just a sports suit and a backpack. Still, I was full of determination, enthusiasm and curiosity about the unknown lands. At first, I did not notice anything special and just kept exploring the beautiful scenery around. But as soon as I started to move further, every step made me closer to the top. The feeling was unbelievable – like being part of the universe. Those steps I made did not only take me towards my destination, but they also paved the way to new insights into myself. It is no surprise that science has proven that hiking reduces anxiety by quietening the mind and allowing you to zone in on your breathing to a meditative state. And I am sure I was very close to this state.

Hiking with a more meditative mindset will yield a much different experience. We connect with nature through our five senses. We identify and feel our thoughts and emotions and instead of getting fixated on trying to fix them, we simply let them go as we feel the support of our natural surroundings. When we can maintain that state for a period of time, we come away feeling focused, energized, and peaceful.

There are also other benefits of hiking:

⇒ Hiking is good for physical activity

⇒ Hiking can relieve insomnia and improve sleep quality

⇒ Hiking improves memory and brain function

⇒ Hiking teaches us to value the moment

⇒ And hiking builds community

Stay tuned for my next post about how to be a part of a hiking community – link.