A hiking trip through a forest, mountain, or nature preserve can be a truly amazing experience. Not only can it help you get a great workout, but it can also expose you to beautiful scenery and some of the many wonders that Mother Nature has to offer. That said, a long hike can be difficult, especially if you struggle to keep your energy levels up. Fortunately, there are a few ways to ensure that you keep yourself physically and mentally motivated to finish your hike and enjoy the experience. So, in today’s post, we are going to look at a few different ways to stay energized on a hiking trip!
Pack Healthy, Protein-Rich Snacks
If you plan to hike for more than a few miles at a time, you need to bring along snacks. However, you can’t just bring along candy and potato chips. These are just empty calories that will not give you the right kind of energy. Instead, try to pack healthy snacks that are rich in proteins and vitamins. Some good examples include dried banana chips, almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter.
Stay Caffeinated
While you shouldn’t rely too heavily on coffee during a hike (it can dehydrate you and make you need to use the bathroom more often), it can give you a real boost of energy when you need it. Alternatively, you may choose to opt for energy drinks or energy pills, just make sure to choose ones that will give you long-lasting energy, rather than a quick “sugar rush.”
Stay Hydrated
Keeping a full water bottle on hand is one of the most important steps to having a successful hike. Whether you’re walking in the hot sun or in the frigid cold, you need to keep your body hydrated. Without proper hydration, you will be far more likely to succumb to exhaustion and struggle to keep a steady pace on the hiking trail.
Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard
There’s no shame in taking breaks during a hike. In fact, breaks are very necessary, especially if you are hiking on rough or inclined terrain. So, don’t try to push yourself too hard. Take regular breaks to drink some water, have a snack, and relax your feet for a few minutes. It won’t take too much time, but it will give you a lot more energy to help you reach your destination.
Leave the Luxuries at Home
Packing too much is a quick way to feel overwhelmed and weighed down during a hike. For this reason, you need to have a more minimalistic mindset when packing your hiking bag. You don’t need all of the fancy extras that you would usually enjoy at home (like video games). Instead, just pack the essentials; in the end, your body will thank you for it!
Did you enjoy our guide on how to stay energized on a hiking trip? If so, be sure to check out some of our other travel posts on hapakenya today!