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5 Lessons the Mountains Taught Me About Strength šŸ”ļø

Updated: Jun 3

The mountains have always been more than just beautiful landscapes to me—they’ve been a lifelong passion and some of my greatest teachers. They’ve helped build my resilience, guided self-discovery, and deepened my inner strength. Here are five profound lessons I’ve learned from the peaks and trails:


1. Simple Moments Are the Most Powerful


I was wild camping in the Brecon Beacons, on top of Fan y Big. I was completely alone (except for some noisy sheep 😊), surrounded by nature, calmness, and a beautiful sunset. I danced on the summit like nobody was watching (because nobody was), I sang, and felt an overwhelming sense of freedom and happiness. In that moment, I realised again: little things are the big things.


It's in these simple, yet powerful moments that we reconnect with our true selves. Nature is the best therapy—it helps us find ourselves, embrace authenticity, and discover inner peace and true happiness. Hiking has countless mental health benefits.




Why do we chase happiness in faraway places when it’s so often hidden in simple, quiet moments?


2. The Mind’s Power Surpasses Physical Limits


During a trek in Nepal with my husband, we both battled chest infections—first me, then him—while hiking the Annapurna Circuit. At one point, I was so unwell that my husband called a local doctor and contacted our insurance company about getting a helicopter. Of course, I refused and pushed on. Then he got sick, too. Despite fevers, coughs, and heavy backpacks, we carried on.

We eventually reached Thorang La at 5,416 meters, tired but proud. All because—even when our bodies were ready to give up—our determination, inner strength and the mind’s incredible capacity pushed us forward.


Mountains test our limits, but they also reveal what we’re made of, reveal our inner strength.



Overcoming challenges in nature teaches you to overcome challenges in life, building mental strength and resilience through hiking.


3. Disconnecting to Truly Reconnect – The Benefits of Unplugging Outdoors


In the stillness of the mountains, far from daily distractions, I always find clarity. Questions that once overwhelmed me have become easier to answer. Nature offers a sanctuary for reflection. By unplugging, we make space to listen to our inner voice and realign with our values. That’s where peace lives.

In a world dominated by social media, we’re constantly bombarded with opinions, comparisons, and noise that drain our energy and leave us feeling overwhelmed and lost. Studies show that excessive social media use is linked to depression, anxiety, stress, sadness, and isolation.1,2 Nature offers a digital detox—a much-needed reset.


The calm of trees, the majesty of mountain peaks, the sound of wind and water, and the absence of screens allow the mind to slow down, reset, and reconnect with what matters most, reconnect with yourself.


4. Building Strength Inside and Out


Regular hikes are great for both your body and your spirit. Each ascent challenges me physically, while each summit rewards me mentally. Hiking is a full-body workout that supports cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and promotes overall physical wellbeing. But the benefits go far beyond fitness.

Spending time in nature can improve health in powerful ways—through exposure to natural elements, physical activity, emotional restoration, and even meaningful social connections. Some benefits are immediate, like lower blood pressure, reduced stress, improved immune function, and clearer focus. Others build over time—such as weight loss, decreased depression, and a greater sense of overall wellness.3



I call hiking a holistic workout. It strengthens the body, sharpens the mind, and nurtures the soul.


5. Nature’s Impact on Wellbeing: The Ultimate Healer


Every trail and every peak offers a therapeutic experience. And each hike is different, even if you return to the same path. Engaging with nature reduces stress, forces you to pause, lifts your mood, and promotes overall health. It’s a remedy that’s both powerful and accessible.


In a study with over 500 participants, researchers compared 15-minute walks in forest (test) and city (control) settings. The forest walks significantly reduced negative moods like anxiety, depression, and fatigue, and increased energy levels. In contrast, city walks had far less effect. Interestingly, people with higher anxiety experienced the greatest mood improvement from walking in nature.4


I relate to this deeply. As a clinical nutritionist working a 9–5 office job, I go into the office once or twice a week. I always try to take a walk on my lunch break—but surrounded by buildings and various businesses, I don’t notice the same change in my mood or energy. It’s nothing like walking in nature. I’m amazed by people who run through the noisy city centre—I find it completely draining! Nature walks, on the other hand, leave me feeling recharged.



Nature’s impact on wellbeing is real—and powerful.


The mountains have taught me invaluable lessons about strength, resilience, and self-awareness. Each hike reinforces the truth that real strength is multifaceted—combining physical endurance, mental focus, and emotional balance.





References:

  1. Zsila, Ɓ., & Reyes, M. E. S. (2023). Pros & cons: impacts of social media on mental health. BMC Psychology, 11(1), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1186/S40359-023-01243-X/METRICS1

  2. Ulvi, O., Karamehic-Muratovic, A., Baghbanzadeh, M., Bashir, A., Smith, J., & Haque, U. (2022). Social Media Use and Mental Health: A Global Analysis. Epidemiologia, 3(1), 11–25. https://doi.org/10.3390/EPIDEMIOLOGIA3010002/S1

  3. Mitten, D., Overholt, J. R., Haynes, F. I., D’Amore, C. C., & Ady, J. C. (2016). Hiking: A Low-Cost, Accessible Intervention to Promote Health Benefits. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 12(4), 302. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827616658229

  4. Song, C., Ikei, H., Park, B. J., Lee, J., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2018). Psychological Benefits of Walking through Forest Areas. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, Vol. 15, Page 2804, 15(12), 2804. https://doi.org/10.3390/IJERPH15122804





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