Take a hike!

Language is a funny thing, isn’t it?

In a literal sense ‘take a hike’ and ‘you should go for a walk’ mean very similar things.

But the inferred meanings are anything but the same. So, despite what the title says this is really about going for a walk, not taking a hike.

If you’re one of those people with a smile regularly plastered across your dial, there is a high chance you’re a walker.

Walking 30 minutes a day can help reduce stress levels, alleviate anxiety, boost the production of the brain’s happy chemicals such as endorphins, and help you to relax.

A recent UK study confirmed that people who did regular physical activity such as walking were 30% less likely to be come depressed, and the same level of activity correlated significantly to people successfully managing and recovering from depression.

If you need some inspiration for yourself and your kids, Walking SA have great lists of walks of all lengths and difficulties. Click here to find some kid friendly walks you could add to your self-care explorations.

And with walking outside being a perfectly COVID safe activity, a walk with friends could be the perfect play-date for 2022.

Of course, walking doesn’t have to involve a big plan. Sometimes the unplanned walks around your neighbourhood can be the most meaningful. Walking together is a great way to slow down and connect.

So amongst the busy-ness that is modern family life, now seems like the perfect time to take a hike… I mean, go for a walk.