Inspiration

3 Ways to Unwind After a Long Hike

By  | 

Many people pay a great deal of attention to the preparations before a big walk: planning the route, checking all the supplies, taking safety precautions, etc. However, a lot of hikers make the mistake of not giving any consideration to what they are going to do once a hike is finished, with many new hikers not thinking twice about heading straight to bed, or just sitting down without properly stretching their muscles first. However, it is just as important to think about how you are going to wind down after a long hike because your body needs time and assistance to relax and repair itself. With that in mind, here are some ideas of how can unwind after a long hike.

Enjoy some herbal tea

After engaging in exercise, it is important to keep your body fueled and hydrated well, so while having a glass of wine or piece of cake might seem like the best way to relax after a long day of walking, it may actually lead to you feeling run down. After engaging in exercise, your metabolism increases for a while, so you may actually find that while normally one glass of wine doesn’t affect you, it could lead to you feeling light-headed or even unwell.

The best thing that you can do to keep your body hydrated is to drink some water. However, alternatives like herbal tea can also be great for you. In particular, teas such as chamomile and green tea help the body to unwind and contain properties which help to reduce joint inflammation, which will really help your body to relax after a long day.

Engage your mind

When you are hiking, your body produces a lot of hormones which keep you alert and provide you with energy. However, while most of your energy is spent physically, by the time you return home at the end of your hike, you may find that you haven’t exhausted your energy stores mentally. Therefore, you might find it useful to do something which engages your mind for a while before you can call it a night, such as by reading a book. If you need something which is a bit more stimulating, then you could try playing games with friends and family, or if you are alone, you could play online on sites such as Unibet.

Stretch and relax your muscles

Hiking is a sport which requires a lot of stamina, and can really tire out your muscles and joints by the end of the day; therefore, it is important to find ways to relax and de-stress your muscles after a long hike. It is important to stretch your muscles thoroughly after a long hike, particularly in your legs, and doing some self-massage may also help to relieve any tightness. Utilizing the therapeutic effects or warmth and cold can also be beneficial.

For example, if you have any swollen joints, such as your knees or ankles, then putting ice on them periodically can help, as can elevating that specific joint, preferably above your heart. However, in order to relax your muscles, getting them warm can help, such as by taking a warm bath. Including magnesium in the bath, such as through Epsom salts, is something that will also really help the muscles unwind.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply