Chandigarh/Srinagar, Aug 5: In an age dominated by screens, deadlines, and relentless noise, the simple act of walking through a mountain trail or sleeping under a forest canopy can feel like stepping into another universe. But this isn’t just poetic imagination — science, psychology, and ancient wisdom all agree: trekking in the mountains and spending time in forests profoundly heal the human mind, body, and soul.
Mountains have long been seen as sacred spaces — from the Himalayas to the Andes, they’ve been places of pilgrimage, meditation, and refuge. When we trek through them, our body is forced to slow down and adapt to the altitude and terrain. This physical exertion releases endorphins — the “feel-good” chemicals that reduce pain and stress.
The air at higher altitudes is often cleaner, free of city pollutants, and infused with negative ions that improve oxygen flow and enhance mood. The sheer silence of the mountains, punctuated only by the sound of wind, birds, and your own breath, helps the nervous system shift from a state of “fight or flight” to one of “rest and digest.” That alone has immense psychological benefits.
In Japan, the practice of Shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing” is a proven stress-reduction therapy. It doesn’t involve exercise or hiking — just being in the presence of trees. Studies have shown that spending time in forests lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), reduces blood pressure, and boosts the immune system.
Trees release phytoncides — natural oils that protect them from bacteria and insects. When humans breathe in these oils, they experience reduced anxiety and increased natural killer (NK) cell activity, which helps fight illness.
Even the texture of soil, the dappled light through leaves, and the hum of life around you provide a gentle re-calibration of the senses. In a world of constant stimulation, the forest helps the mind return to a natural, slower rhythm.
Both trekking and forest stays create conditions for deep inner work. Stripped of Wi-Fi, notifications, and urban distractions, the mind begins to declutter. Many people report having profound realizations or emotional releases in these settings. The vastness of nature creates a humbling effect, helping to dissolve the ego and reconnect with something larger than oneself.
Being alone in the wild — or even in mindful company — can also reignite creativity. Writers, thinkers, saints, and revolutionaries have all turned to nature for clarity and inspiration. Thoreau, Wordsworth, the Buddha — they all knew something we often forget: to truly understand the self, you must step away from the noise.
Modern life often feels like a performance. In nature, there’s nothing to prove. The mountains don’t care about your job title. The trees don’t judge your mistakes. And the stars don’t ask you to be perfect.
That freedom — that return to your natural state — is the real medicine. Trekking and forest living don’t just heal; they remind you of who you are beneath all the noise.
And sometimes, that’s all you need.
