Genius Hour - Benefits

Close, Jackie. (2017, January 22).
Decew Falls [Image].

This blog post is going to focus on my experience so far with hiking as often as I can. The main reason is because I have noticed a change in myself so I wanted to do some research on people spending time in nature. The other reason is because I have not had many opportunities to go on hikes lately. The weekends associated with holidays I was not in the area and there have been many weekends where the weather has stopped me from going completely. Rather than not doing a post I decided to write this one on the benefits I have experienced and noticed while participating in this genius hour project.

The physical benefits may go without question. Any type of physical activity is good for one’s health in many ways. No matter the difficulty of a hike it will still benefit a person in some way. Through the few hikes I have done I have noticed an increase in my physical activity. I also have noticed an increase in my desire to participate in any form of physical activity. Not only have I been hiking but I have also added other forms of activity to my routines because of this change in mindset. Leading me to the main point of discussion I want to mention.

Close, Jackie. ( 2017, January, 22).
Decew Falls [Image].

Hiking has benefits physically but also mentally. Many people suffer from mental illnesses. People are constantly bombarded with negative and obsessive thoughts that focus on the symptoms of one’s distress and the possible causes and consequences as opposed to its solutions, this is called rumination. A study compared the rumination of those that take walks in urban areas and those that walk in nature. They found that more time spent in nature actually decreases negative thoughts. Those that walk in nature reported lower levels of rumination and less activity in the brain related to mental illness (Ketler, 2016). On the other hand, those that walked in urban areas did not report these lower levels of rumination. Researchers suggest the correlation is related to the experiences of depression and mental illness occurring in urban areas. Therefore, to lower these levels one must completely remove themselves from these influences.

Close, Jackie. (2017, January 28).
      Twenty Valley Trail [Image].

As much as I experienced a change physically I changed even more so mentally. While hiking, my mind was clear to think positively because I was removing myself of all that causes me stress. I would worry about taking the time away from work to go on hikes but afterwards I would feel so much more focused and work productively as a result of clearing my mind. I also noticed a change in my mindset. I have trained my brain to think more positively and not worry about the small details that would take my time and energy. This was a result of both the physical and mental benefits.

Close, Jackie. (2017, February 4).
   Niagara Glen Nature Reserve [Image].

These benefits and results have definitely come from hiking but I am sure people can experience these benefits just by doing something they love to do. When people take the time to stop and enjoy themselves they will notice a change in their mindset. They cannot let negative thoughts take over. This is why genius hour projects are so great for students. Not only are they learning content but they are also learning something they enjoy and can apply to their lives. I have loved participating in my genius hour research and so have those that have joined me on hikes. Nature is wonderful and people should spend more time unplugged to enjoy it. However, at the most basic people should take time doing what they love. I hope to incorporate genius hour projects into my classes to give my students time to explore their passions and interests. I have learned so much about myself through this process I am excited to see what my future students learn as well!

Lloyd, Amy. (2017, January 28). Twenty Valley Trail [Image].

Reference:

Ketler, A. (2016, April 8). Doctors Explain How Hiking Actually Changes Our Brains. Retrieved from, http://www.collective-evolution.com/2016/04/08/doctors-explain-how-hiking-actually-changes-our-brains/