Do you prefer the beach or the mountains? This question always seems to find its way in conversation starters. Both of these places have their merits. But for emphasis, a person can get unique benefits from a mountain holiday. It does not matter whether you are hiking, in a car, or on a Switzerland train tour. The mountains have something to offer to you. Here are some reasons you should carve some time to be in the mountains.
Majestic Beauty That Calms
When a person wants to escape from city life, they turn to nature. Mountains are packed with so many elements of nature. Summits towering one after another. The glorious heat of sunshine on your skin. The great expanse of the world below you. The natural shifting of lights throughout the day. This list could go on. Being on a mountain allows a person to breathe deeply, let go of all worries, and relax.
The calmness surrounding the mountains gives a person a chance to reflect. There is a different perspective when you are on top of the world. There are also a couple of components found in the mountains that promotes calmness. The smell of pines decreases stress and depression. Your exposure to the sun helps your body produce serotonin. This hormone fights against anxiety and stress. Thus, the serenity that one gets from the mountains is not only perceived by the mind. It has actual scientific bases.
Surprising Health Benefits
Everybody knows about hiking being good for the muscles and stuff. But there are still many health benefits that are not as known. Also, you do not even have to do strenuous activities to get these benefits. You only have to be in the mountains.
People are exposed to polluted air daily. Being in the mountains provides them with a new reservoir of clean and fresh air. Thus, when you have the chance, breathe it all in. Clean air helps to deal with respiratory problems. Even some allergies can clear off by being constantly exposed to the fresh mountain air.
The altitude also gives some health benefits. When one spends time in the mountains, there are fewer risks of obesity and heart disease.
Studies record that a vacation in the mountains for a week can show a significant amount of weight loss. High altitude affects the production of oxygen and the metabolism of a person. They burn more calories in response to a higher metabolic rate. Also, high altitude makes a person’s appetite wane. They feel fuller. Obesity is less likely with people living in the mountains. Even if they do not engage in strenuous physical activity.
High altitude also helps keep the heart healthy. Because of lower oxygen levels, new blood vessels are formed to aid in oxygen flow. This helps reduce cardiovascular diseases.
A Relationship Booster
There are many scenes to behold and activities to engage in when in the mountains. People focus more on conversations and on each other. Being on a mountain holiday is a good way to unplug from technology and connect more in person. It is a joy to see the sense of wonder of kids. Loved ones can cheer or encourage someone who has a fear of heights.
Even couples can see their relationship in a different manner. Mountains often symbolize obstacles and overcoming them. Couples who go on mountain adventures can reflect on their relationships this way.
Snapshots of mountain views are good. But nothing beats the experience of communing with nature on a mountaintop. So pack your things and enjoy.
Bonnie is always on the road with some amazing adventures ahead. Her favorite continent is South America and she’s passionate about culture-focused traveling and ethical and sustainable tourism. During her time in university as a research assistant for a sociology professor, she realized she can’t fully understand cultures from a safe distance. She quit her job to become a full-time “voluntourist,” which brings her to places where she can immerse in local communities and support their causes. On top of writing, one of Bonnie’s priorities is offering women advice on how to stay safe while solo backpacking.