Gentle Movement: Soft Hiking

In a world that often celebrates the adrenaline rush of extreme sports and high-intensity workouts, there's a quiet revolution taking place. It's a movement (pun intended), that encourages us to slow down, connect with nature and ourselves, and find balance. This October our Monthly theme is Gentle Movement and throughout this month we'll explore the mindful practices that incorporate gentle movement, and how they can benefit our physical and mental well-being.

Gentle Movement: Nourishing Your Body and Soul

What Is Gentle Movement? Gentle movement includes practices like Tai Chi, Qigong, and Yoga, these offer a holistic approach to physical and mental health and encourage The Mind-Body Connection. Incorporating these practices into your life can enhance your self-awareness and help you find inner peace amidst life's chaos

The Allure of Soft Hiking: A Soothing Connection with Nature

Soft hiking is an immersive nature experience that focuses on slowing down, observing, staying present, and connecting with the natural world. It's a trend that has recently gone viral on TikTok thanks to SoftGirlsWhoHike, and is being embraced world wide. Instead of pushing your limits, soft hiking encourages you to simply be present in the moment. No pressure to achieve great heights or long distances. Soft hiking could also be considered a form of Forest bathing or Shinrin-Yoku, check out more from our Leader in Shinrin-Yoku, Pam Cho of Trek Coaching.

Benefits: Psychological research shows that being in nature is an incredible boost for us and positively impacts our mental health. The benefits that come with soft hiking, include: 

• Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
• Boosting balance and stability
• Improving cognitive function
• Enhancing physical fitness 
• Promoting better sleep quality

Getting Started: Tips for Soft Hiking 

Gear and Attire: Grab the essential equipment and clothing you need to make the most of your soft hiking adventures, a good pair of walking/hiking shoes, water, and maybe a snack if you plan to hike for longer than an hour.

Finding the Perfect Location: Find the ideal setting for your soft hiking escapades, whether it's a serene forest, a quiet park, or your backyard. We love the All Trails app.

In a world that's always on the go, soft hiking allows you to slow down, reconnect with nature and your inner self while promoting physical and mental well-being.