A load of studies suggest you should really make time for more long walks.
BY JESSICA STILLMAN, CONTRIBUTOR, INC.COM@ENTRYLEVELREBEL
For Inc.
Photo: Getty Images
As an Inc.com columnist, I am always on the lookout for research on quick, easy activities that can help you feel happier and healthier. Entrepreneurs are busy people, after all. If there is a way you can boost your energy and keep your spirits up without fuss or a big time commitment, I figure entrepreneurs would want to know about it.
The surprise benefits of hiking
A couple of years ago, an interview with neuroscientist and author Daniel Levitin caught my eye. In it, he argues that hiking isn’t just a nice way to stay physically fit: Because of the uneven terrain and navigation involved, he says it’s an especially good activity for keeping your mind sharp as you age.
Then, just last year, I came across another study that showed taking a long walk with someone to be an especially powerful way to build a deeper connection and resolve disputes. I did some digging and discovered business bigwigs like Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs apparently intuited this truth long ago and have used it to their advantage by doing some of their most consequential deals during hikes.
Fast-forward to just recently, when I was skimming through psychology websites for potentially useful findings for entrepreneurs. On PsyPost, one particular headline jumped out at me: “Surfing and Hiking Can Help Reduce the Symptoms of Depression, Study Finds.” The article reports that a new study of active-duty military service members showed walking in nature–and catching a few waves–seemed to provide relief from depression.
Stumbling on a wonder drug
Now, if I told you there was a pill out there that–without negative side effects–could boost your mood, strengthen your relationships, and help keep your brain sharp, would you take it? I’m going to guess the answer for a lot of folks would be yes.
