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Top 10 Health Benefits of Vacationing in the Mountain

By Health Fitness Revolution - 

January 19, 2020

Go feel the sun on your back and on your face. Go and see nature in it’s most raw beauty. The mountains are the perfect place to retreat on your next vacation, to commune with nature. There are various healthy activities to do while going to the mountains for example; hiking, climbing, fishing, canoeing, skiing, and camping. Going up to the mountains also has health benefits. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider vacationing in the mountains! 

•Altitude 

Even visiting the mountains for less than one week can spike weight loss. High altitude also can decrease the appetite, making us feel more full. Colorado holds the nation’s lowest obesity rate at 19.8%. This statement did not become true just because the people have easier access to hike and exercise, but it is the altitude in which they live in that promotes weight loss. Simply living in high altitude can decrease your weight. If you are the ultimate couch potato and want to lose weight but don’t want to give up eating pizza and hamburgers then go visit the mountains!

•Lower heart disease

Altitude also can help lower risks of cardiovascular diseases. Reduced oxygen helps to create new pathways for blood vessels for oxygen to flow. You also have a lower risk of dying from ischemic heart disease. People (especially women) living at high altitudes are less likely to die from heart attacks. Scientific evidence shows that life at high altitudes can lead to healthier hearts.

•Fresh Air 

Being up in the mountains gives your lungs the chance to breathe in oxygen that is free of gasses or air pollution. The fresh air helps respiratory problems and easier breathing for asthma. For those of you who have allergies being up on the mountain top is better than Claritin! The most common scent while traveling through a mountain is pine, (yes, it’s like walking through Christmas in the summer). Studies show that pine decreases hostility, depression, and stress.

•Builds up happiness 

Lavender that grows at mountain bases is known to help depression and aid good sleep. If you are feeling down, climb. Climbing a mountain can help you to see the value of your life by producing endorphins by being close to physical danger. Facing your fears can help you see how limited your time is and give you a new appreciation for the beauty of life. 

•Great for relationships

Going to the mountains is great bonding time with family and friends. Being scared of heights, coming close to quitting, or huffing and puffing with your loved ones is a great way to laugh and form new memories and stronger bonds. This type of vacation can also be great for couples if feel you and your partner are in a “rough patch.” Overcoming obstacles and peaks is a great way to form new bonds and gives you the chance to practice encouraging each other.

•Beautiful Scenery/ Finding Peace 

Mountains can be beneficial for finding inner peace. They can help you re-discover the beauty of nature, and can remind you of the wonder of nature’s ability to create life within itself, and remind you to slow down in your daily life. Throughout history, people have turned to mountains to find peace. Moses and Muhammad spent time in the mountains, which represent their spiritual journey. It’s no wonder that mountains have historically been mentally healing, because constantly encountering different sounds, smells, and noises trigger the brain different than city sounds, and it all acts to soothe your nerves.

•Accessible in any season

Going to the mountains is not only for the summer. It is a vacation that can be taken during the fall when the leaves are changing colors or any other time. In fact, you can go to the same mountain destination in different seasons and feel as if you are somewhere completely new. If you visit the mountains in the winter you are able to see snow, go skiing, and snow tubing. 

•Set new limits

Colorado, known as one of the “mountain states” also holds the nation’s most active people. Going hiking, climbing, skiing, canoeing, or river rafting all require an adventurous side. When you are out there, you are constantly reminded of your strength. Even when you do feel that fear kicking in, setting new limits for yourself helps you discover new limits for yourself as you obtain each goal. 

•It’s not a sight but an experience 

Even though the mountain views are the perfect backdrop for an Instagram photo, and will provide a cool filter for your location on Snapchat, disconnecting from your phone can give you an even greater reward. No picture can truly showcase the beauty of what you’re seeing with your eyes, it’s like trying to take a picture of the beautiful moon on your phone, which always ends up looking lackluster in picture format. Just limit the phone time and take in the sights!

•Cheaper than Disney

Depending on what activity you are doing, most mountain trips are family friendly and don’t leave a hole in your wallet. The ticket alone for a weekend trip for two people (age 10+) to Disney world costs $ 578.00. When a pair of hiking boots cost $40.00 and the price of a tent is $40.00, it’s still much cheaper than Disney.