Diabetes, and the Mind-Body Benefits of Hiking
It is one of the easiest, least costly sports to engage in, and has mind and body benefits that contribute to diabetes management three ways.
Hiking in forest areas, on mountain trails, or through local parks helps us reduce the worry and stress that can accompany constant glucose monitoring, heightens our capacity to problem solve, and helps us stay in shape.
Less Stress
Though the psychological rewards of hiking have long been experienced, researchers are busy verifying the perks of tramping along nature trails, or wandering off them. For instance, a recent study examined the effect hiking has on the quality of our thoughts.
Two groups of study participants were sent on a 90 minute hike, one group in an urban area, the other in a natural environment. Those traipsing through the natural setting reported a decrease in worry and negative thinking, and they showed less neural activity in a part of the brain associated with mental distress. Those walking the urban path did not experience a reduction of anxious or pessimistic thoughts.
The decrease in negative thinking caused by rubbing elbows with nature translates into increased tranquility, and a greater sense of well-being. Plus, hiking can easily be turned into a group activity, and being with family and friends can also lower stress levels, and lift our spirits.
Creativity Boost
Spending time in the great outdoors, minus our cell phones and other digital gadgets, also sharpens our creative problem solving ability—something that helps with all the issues we daily manage, including diabetes.
One research study sent a group of hearty participants on a four-day technology-free nature hike where they performed tasks that required creativity and complex problem solving. As the hike progressed, the participant’s problem-solving performance improved by 50 percent. This led the scientists to conclude that technology and urban noise overburden our attention and cognitive functions, while non-digital time spent in nature soothes the brain, and boosts its creative power.
Body Benefits
Beside the psychological lift it provides, hiking is a fun way to burn off between 400 and 700 calories each hour—depending on travel speed, hiker size, and the terrain. What a pleasant way to combat weight gain and keep glucose levels in check. Walking over changing terrain is good for our balance, lower body strength, and can provide some heart-healthy aerobic benefit, as well.
To enjoy the health rewards of hiking, go online to find maps of hiking trails in your vicinity. Make sure you own a sturdy, comfortable pair of hiking shoes or boots, and dress in layers that can be peeled off as the temperature climbs. Bring plenty of water with you, a supply of quick carb sources, and be sure to store your insulin and monitoring supplies in an insulated carrier on warm days.
On a hike, you're less a job title and more a human being....A periodic hike not only stretches the limbs but also reminds us: Wow, there's a big old world out there.
~ Ken Ilgunas, Trespassing Across America
Source: Ecosnippets
Photo credit: Henry Hagnas
More Articles
With its slightly nutty flavor, chewy texture, and nutritional punch farro is an ancient whole grain worth a place in our pantry.
Farro...
Having diabetes is cause for concern, however it doesn’t mean that you need to eliminate all of your favorite foods from your diet completely....
With diabetes becoming more of an epidemic each and every day, being knowledgeable about the disease, its effects on the body as well as ways to...
If you’re a diabetic or live with one, it can be tough trying to figure out the best foods to eat because your priority is to control your blood...
In this post, I will show you the 10 best ice creams for diabetics.
When you think of sweetened foods that a diabetic shouldn’t consume,...
More Articles
If you’re living with diabetes, snacking is a necessity because going for more than 3-4 hours without eating can be detrimental to your health....
For diabetics, choosing healthy snacks can be a daunting task.
A good rule of thumb is to pick out snacks that are rich in protein, fiber,...
According to information available through the National Institutes of Health, there’s an estimated 462 million people in the world who are...
Eleven Clinical Studies
After eleven clinical studies and 300,000 participants, researcher Vasanti Malik and her team of researchers...
Diabetic women often have a harder time losing weight than non-diabetic women. A study funded by Jenny Craig proved that diabetic women have an...
Many recent studies have proved that magnesium levels are lower in patients with diabetes than in non-diabetics. This magnesium...
Fluid retention, also known as edema, is a problem that affects many diabetics, especially those with type 2 diabetes...
Some of us might be thrilled if we could manage our blood sugar by sitting in a hot tub or sauna, instead of working up a sweat biking, or using...
Cooking and baking with the ancient cereal grain sorghum has health benefits for people with diabetes, and those with weight control issues....
When it comes to certain foods, there are always questions as to whether or not a diabetic can have them without...
Matcha tea is a rich, creamy, full-bodied beverage with amazing nutritional properties that address several diabetes health concerns.
The...
Salads are good example of foods that type 2 diabetics can enjoy with relatively low guilt. With the right greens and other elements added, salad...
Remaining gainfully employed is important to many people. Those who live with any form of diabetes may find that some lines of work are more...
Learning that you have diabetes does mean making some lifestyle changes. One of the areas that needs attention is your diet. Most people find that...
One of the more challenging aspects of life as a type 2 diabetic is managing your diet. There’s often the temptation to avoid certain foods...