Hike up your happiness | 3.5 minute read

Last month my friends and I hiked 55 kms of the Bruce Trail, from Crawford Lake to Terra Cotta. Two of us, Devin and I, started hiking the Bruce four years ago; our plan is to do the entire trail, end-to-end, over the next few years. For this section, we were joined by my brother, Chris, and three other friends: Bobby, Boyan and Petio.

The entire trail is 890 kms, and so far we’ve traversed 231. By the time we finish, we’ll not only be older but hopefully wiser and happier as well.

I don’t want to regurgitate the well documented benefits of hiking — for that, you can read this article by Stanford University that suggests spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression. Instead, I’ll share why hiking makes me happier:

• When we hike, we’re present. The Niagara Escarpment has some steep cliffs and jagged rocks to contend with, so you have to pay attention. I get to leave the problems and business of the city life behind and focus on my next step.

• When we hike, we get what they make you pay for in Las Vegas: oxygen. We’re surrounded by bushes, trees, and plants that are all willing to trade some of the freshest air in exchange for our carbon dioxide. Talk about symbiosis!

• When we hike, our bond grows. Devin and I talk about everything: relationships, money, family, current affairs. And there are also long, meditative silences. You feel good either way.

• When we hike, we push ourselves — especially the longer ones (over 25 kms in a day). Those days can be challenging, but we’re eventually rewarded with ice cold beers and a hearty meal. There’s a sense of accomplishment. A reward in the journey itself, but also happiness in reaching our destination.

Hiking is fun and, the best part, it’s free! We’re lucky to have these trails all over our beautiful country.

Of course, you don’t need to hike the entire Bruce Trail; you don’t even need to go for a long hike to get the benefits. But everyone needs an escape every now and then — so why not hike up your happiness?

The pebble

The challenge

Take a hike! It doesn’t have to be long and it doesn’t even need to be in nature. Just go for a walk for the sake of it — no headphones, maybe even no phone (you’ll be OK, we promise). Take in the sights and smells and give yourself a little time to think.

Thanks for reading. We’re honoured you’ve spent a bit of your day with us. If you’re feeling generous, why not forward this email to a friend?