I started my New Year the best way possible, with an awesome seven mile hike. It’s an amazing way to begin each month, and one of the best monthly fitness goals to set. My January hike was one of my favorite in Los Angeles: Mandeville Canyon (video here) in the Santa Monica Mountains of Brentwood. It got me thinking and made me realize that starting the New Year and every month with a hike is the best way to clean slate for new upcoming adventures. My new monthly fitness goal is set!
There are so many benefits to a nice, long hike. You get mental and physical benefits, as well as a nice confidence boost to yourself! But my favorite is how a hike clears your head completely. It’s easy to forget that we all need to clear our heads from time to time. On my own adventure this past weekend, I was able to let go of so many things from the previous year. It was liberating! It’s always such an amazing feeling. By getting outside and hiking, you allow yourself to truly let go of the world for a while, and let go of those things you’re holding onto, but don’t need. You don’t even have to try. It just happens!
Not only will a hike clear your head, it will fill you with ideas. I always get my best ideas hiking! I go on a lot of long hikes with my man and we hash out creative ideas, goals and projects. Our hiking ideas have been some of our best, because the hike centers our thinking and lets those creative juices flow. No matter how long the hike, I always have great ideas!
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I love the mental benefits of hiking, but let’s not forget the physical advantages. Even though I workout daily, I always feel completely drained and sore after a long hike, and that’s the best part! It doesn’t matter how much you exercise, hiking is a great workout spread over time. It makes you feel totally and completely relaxed. It cleanses all the bad out of your body and lets you start fresh. That’s the perfect way to start your month and your year!
The best part of hiking is the confidence boost afterwards. You’re out in nature and let’s face it, it’s challenging. You decide the path you’re taking and you go forth! Afterwards you feel amazing, having conquered the trail. I always track my hikes and love seeing my stats, especially after a hike like Mandeville Canyon.
Even if you “can’t” get outside to hike, rethink why not. If it’s cold or snowy, how about you enjoy a nice winter hike or try cross country skiing? Getting outside and being close to nature is the best part, allowing yourself to let go of everything you don’t need.
In 2016 let’s challenge ourselves to begin each month with a hike. Let’s start each month off feeling refreshed by taking some good old you time! Let’s do it! Free yourself with monthly fitness goals you love. You won’t regret it!
Mandi Mellen is Lead Editor, Staff Writer, and Featured Vlogger at BuzzChomp. She’s an actress, writer, and producer. Get lost in her youtube comedy channel PillowTalk TV. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or Instagram
Photo credits to Mandi Mellen
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