High up: why a stay in the mountains is so healthy
Our everyday life is often stressful. That's why we always long for little breaks in nature. Besides the sea, the mountains are probably the most popular destination when it comes to recharging your batteries and taking a deep breath. In this article, we explain why a stay in the mountains is so good for body and soul and what concrete positive properties the clear mountain air has.
Especially the city people among us know it: noise, traffic, fine dust pollution and far and wide no real nature. And even if many big cities have lots of green spaces and recreation areas, we are often so stressed out in everyday life that we don't even find the time to relax in one of the many parks. Even a short stay in nature is beneficial for physical and mental health. Nature serves as a healer, as countless studies have already proven. However, nature and the air in higher regions are said to be particularly good for us. The power of the mountains has an immense influence on us and makes a lasting contribution to our well-being.
Disease preventive mountain air?
The higher you climb, the greater the health benefits of nature.
With the crossing of the tree line and the already shorter flowering time of the plants at higher altitudes, for example, pollen allergy sufferers can finally breathe a sigh of relief. But not only that: The mountain air also relieves the heart. From about 1000 meters above sea level, the pulse rate and blood pressure decrease. This significantly reduces the risk of a heart attack.
In addition to the air, the sun also plays an important role. UV radiation is stronger in higher areas, which stimulates the production of vitamin D even in autumn and winter and consequently strengthens the immune system. In addition, the proportion of infrared light is higher in the mountains. This light promotes blood circulation and can help fight chronic infections. Very important at this point: Make sure you have enough sun protection with sunscreen and suitable clothing!
Hiking as the perfect sporting activity
But not only just staying in the fresh mountain air has a beneficial effect on our body. The physical activity that it takes to get to such heights in the first place also has positive effects. Compared to other sports such as jogging, hiking is very easy on the joints. This stabilizes and trains our legs and feet. Walking in the mountains also promotes surefootedness and a sense of balance. Last but not least, the sporty roaming in the mountains also stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates our joints and reduces pain.
Mountain tours have a positive effect on the psyche
However, the physical advantages of a mountain tour do not end there. The positive effect on our psyche is immense. Spending time in the fresh air and in idyllic surroundings, as well as the sense of achievement that comes after completing a tour or climbing a summit, trigger happiness hormones in us. But a hike can achieve even more: A study on suicide prevention by the Salzburg University Hospital Christian-Doppler-Klinik and the Paracelsus Medical Private University showed that movement therapy, in this case hiking tours, supports the effect of psychotherapy and psychotropic drugs. In this study, nature and human encounters had good effects after life crises and were able to reduce depression during the migration phases, improve self-esteem and sleep quality, and reduce anxiety and borderline symptoms.
The combination of mountain sports and wellness is what makes it so special
In order to get the most out of a mountain holiday for your own health, you should combine sporting activities with a healthy portion of wellness. In this way, everyone can combine active and rest phases at their own discretion and create the perfect balance for themselves.
There are accommodations that offer an ideal combination of mountain sports and spa program, for example with the Tannerhof in Bavaria, Berglodge37 in Switzerland or the Hotel Miramonte in Austria.
Yoga on the panorama deck, sauna and thermal baths – OUR AUTHOR CÉCILE REPORTS ABOUT HER STAY AT THE DESIGN HOTEL MIRAMONTE
Nothing stands in the way of your next pleasant mountain holiday!
You can find another article by Nadine on the subject of conscious travel here.
Photos: Nadine Pinezits
Nadine Pinezits
Nadine is a freelance editor and copywriter. She lives in Austria and commutes between Salzburg, Styria and Vienna. She is therefore either in the mountains or in the urban jungle, but at the same time tries to spend as much time as possible in her heart country Portugal.
Moritz_berg1
What's really interesting is that the higher you go, the greater the health benefits of nature. My wife and I have been booking a guesthouse room in the mountains for two years and are enjoying the time. I just feel completely relaxed and healthy afterwards. Great post!