Why Hiking Is a Great Hobby for Introverts
Hiking is a great activity for introverts who want to get out and enjoy nature without the pressure of social interactions.
While they can hike either alone or as part of a group, hiking provides introverts with the space to enjoy a low-pressure, somewhat social activity without feeling guilty about withdrawing from conversation.
In the article below, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of both group and solo hikes for introverts. We’ll also share five reasons why hiking is such a great activity for introverts, followed by five quick tips for new hikers.
Group vs. Solo Hiking
Group hiking is when you find a group of people to join you on a hiking trip. Hiking with a group is a fantastic way to boost your motivation and challenge you to take on longer or more difficult hikes. In dangerous situations, hiking as part of a group offers a layer of safety.
Even for introverted hikers, group hiking offers opportunities to build friendships. Since hiking is a low social pressure activity, it’s socially acceptable for introverts to spend more time contemplating their surroundings than engaging in conversation.
Solo hiking is ideal for people who are trying to complete a hike with a schedule in mind. It’s great for people who want to spontaneously go on a hike without needing to coordinate with others.
However, it’s important to take safety precautions if hiking alone, such as letting someone know where you’re hiking and when to expect you back.
5 Reasons Why Hiking is Great for Introverts
Whether hiking alone or in a group, it’s a great activity for introverts to enjoy. The following are five reasons why it’s such a great hobby for introverts to pick up.
1. It’s socially acceptable to go alone or remain silent.
Introverts don’t need to feel pressure to keep up conversation, even if they’re participating in a group hike.
Even when they run into others who might try to chat, they can simply increase or decrease their walking pace to avoid conversation. In this context, doing so isn’t considered rude.
It really is okay to focus on the hike itself, the nature around you, and how your body feels while doing physical activity. It offers a great opportunity for mindfulness.
2. It’s a great way to invest in your physical fitness.
Even when you aren’t hiking at a fast pace, the movement is good for your body. Everyone needs to find methods of incorporating more physical activity into their routine.
Since many introverts tend to have hobbies that require a lot of time sitting down, getting out and moving around provides a significant foil to these usual activities.
3. It helps introverts manage stress.
Stress can have a negative impact on everyone, but introverts sometimes feel like they have fewer outlets to deal with stress. Managing stress is important for introverts, especially when they work stressful jobs or feel themselves getting dangerously close to burnout.
Not only does the physical activity of hiking release hormones that help counteract stress, but spending time enjoying nature has a soothing effect on a stressed-out introvert.
You can enjoy looking out at stunning views or enjoy hiking on a local trail you’ve hiked a hundred times. Either way, you reap the stress-reducing benefits of hiking.
4. It can help them feel more connected to nature.
Connecting with nature is a spiritual act, especially for introverts who often spend their days daydreaming. Hiking gives introverts the perfect backdrop to enjoy musing about everything in their lives.
Urban areas leave many people without as much opportunity to connect with nature.
However, getting away to the nearest trail and enjoying nature is an important thing for introverts to do. It can help them feel happier while boosting their creativity and joy.
5. It offers them an opportunity to connect with themselves.
Introverts usually spend a lot of their time thinking about their experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Although they can (and will) do that from the comfort of home, spending time in nature affords them an extra opportunity to connect with themselves.
When introverts spend time hiking in nature, they get the opportunity to think about how they feel at that exact moment.
If they’ve been dealing with stress or find themselves coping with trauma, spending time connecting with themselves can provide a healing experience.
For example, hiking may make them more aware of how their heart feels when it’s beating fast. They may be extra conscious about the way their legs feel a mile into the hike. Even after the hike has ended, they may not the way their body feels exhausted yet rejuvenated. This allows them to truly live in the moment, even beyond the bounds of a single day’s hike.
5 Quick Tips for New Hikers
If you’re prepared to enjoy the great benefits hiking has to offer, it’s important to take a few safey precautions before your first hike. The following are five quick tips for new hikers.
1. Start with short hikes and work your way up.
Every hiker has a different definition of what a “long” hike is. If you don’t have any hiking experience and have limited physical capabilities, a one-mile hike might be more than you can handle.
As you spend time hiking, you’ll be able to build up to longer hikes.
2. Discuss hiking with your doctor (especially if you have any medical conditions that may impact your ability to hike).
If you don’t know if hiking is a good idea or not, talk to your doctor. Some physical conditions are made worse by strenuous activity.
Your doctor may put limits on how much you hike. In some cases, your physical condition may mean you cannot go for hikes alone.
If this is the case, don’t try a solo hike without your doctor’s okay.
3. Let someone know where you’re going.
If you’re going to hike alone, even in a well-populated area, let someone know where you’re going and when to expect you back.
It’s important to take these safety precautions, even if you think the hike you have planned is safe.
4. Research the trail before going for a hike.
You can research most trails online to find out how long they are, what sort of terrain they offer, and the general difficulty level of the hike itself.
Make sure to research these things before going for a hike, since starting out on a trail that’s too difficult can leave you overextended and endangered.
You should also pack your compass and a map of the area to help you find your way back in case you get lost. If you aren’t comfortable navigating unfamiliar terrain, hiking alone may not be safe.
5. Pack the essentials.
Make sure you have plenty of water to keep you hydrated during your hike. You may also want to bring snacks or a meal, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time on the trail.
It may also help to keep a small first aid kit with you, since you never know when you may need the supplies to tend to an injury.
Although some remote trails may not have great cell service, you should pack your cell phone in case of emergency. Even if you have your phone off and put away, it can be a valuable asset if you find yourself in a perilous situation.