One of the best places to live is on the mountain. Asides from its raw beauty, mountains are usually quiet, as it’s in most cases removed from the populated parts of cities or towns.
This is the best place to commune to nature, relax. In addition, there are lots of activities that can be done in the mountains. Some of them include mountain climbing, hiking, fishing, skiing, camping, canoeing, and so on. Also, there are a lot of health benefits associated with living in the mountains. This piece would focus on the various reasons why you should live in the mountains, and how doing this can improve your health.
Ways Living On The Mountain Can Benefit Your Health
- The altitude: Living in places that has a high altitude, such as the mountains has various effects on the body. Examples of these include weight loss. Studies have shown that high altitude reduces appetite. This makes people feel full and eventually leading to the loss of weight. As an example, a state in the United States of America, Colorado, has the lowest obesity rate at 19.8%. This didn’t happen by chance, or because the people of Colorado goes to the gym more, hike more or eat healthy food. Their low obesity rate can be attributed to the high altitude in Colorado. If you’re the type of person that likes to eat junk food and find it difficult not consuming them, then you might moving to the mountains, as this would help you get your hunger and satiety in order.
- Reduces the risk of developing heart diseases: One of the benefits of living on the mountain is that it helps to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This occurs because reduced oxygen helps to create new pathways for blood vessels for oxygen to pass through. In addition, people affected by ischemic heart disease have a lower risk of dying from the condition. Studies have shown that high altitudes help to improve the health of hearts.
- Fresh air: One thing you can be sure you’d get from living in the mountains is fresh air. Being on the mountain gives your lungs the chance to breathe in the fresh air that is without toxic gases or air pollution. Inhaling fresh air improves the health of the lungs, and also prevents the development and exacerbation of asthma, in individuals that already have them. Individuals that have allergies would find living on the mountain comfortable and pleasant. One popular tree you would notice on mountains is pine. Studies have shown that pine reduces hostility, depression and also stress.
- Brings happiness: Living on the mountain brings happiness. This can be traced to the ambiance, which includes the smell, the quiet, and so on. Lavender is a plant that is abundant on mountains. They are known to help improve sleep, and also reduce depression. It has been shown that climbing mountains can help to see and appreciate the value of life more. Living on mountains causes the release of good chemicals in the body, known as endorphins. Climbing mountains and facing your fear would help you see how limited your time is, and this might give you a new perspective for the beauty of life.
- Good for relationships: Living on the mountain helps to forge the bonds with family and friends.
This is achieved when people with fears for height get together and decide to live or vacation on the mountain. The coming close to quitting, huffing and puffing with friends and family while climbing, does a lot to improve bonds. It also helps to create memories. This would also be great for couples that might be going through a rough patch. Climbing and overcoming obstacles together would do a lot to forming new bonds, and also gives them the chance to encourage each other.
- Beautiful sights and scenery: One of the most striking features of living on the mountain is the beautiful scenery, and the inner peace associated with it. This can help to rediscover the beauty of nature, and also help us to appreciate the wonders of nature. Historical records have shown that people often turn to the mountains for peace, whenever they are troubled. Religious books have shown how prophets, kings would go on a spiritual journey by isolating themselves in the mountain. Mountains help people heal mentally. The natural sounds, such as the chirping of birds, the beautiful colors of the wings of butterflies triggers the brain differently than the sound of traffic.
- Available through all seasons: You can live on the mountain at any season. The mountain is always awesome, regardless of the season. You would have as much fun you have during summer, in winter. They are particularly beautiful during winter. There are also activities such as skiing, snow tubing and so on.
- Set new limits: As earlier mentioned, Colorado, also known as “mountain states” holds the highest number of active people. They are active because they engage themselves in a lot of activities, such as climbing, skiing, canoeing, and hiking. All these activities make the heart younger, and also improves endurance. Setting new limits for yourself out there helps you to discover new limits for yourself as you set a new goal.
- It’s an experience: Although mountains have perfect backgrounds and landscapes for your pictures. There is more to living on the mountain that this.
Removing yourself from the turmoil and noise of the inner city has no greater reward. Living on the mountain helps to distress and relax the mind. To take this up a notch, you can also disconnect your phone to avoid any distraction. You might want to do limit your use of technology, as long you’re staying on the mountains.
- Relatively cheap: Vacationing on a mountain is relatively cheaper than going to places such as Disney, especially when you go with your family. The cost of tickets that would get you and your family into Disney might cost up to a $1000, but buying hiking boots, tents would not cost you half as much.
References
Dunn, C., Thomas, C. and Reid, I. (2005). Women Living Healthy, Women Living Well: Digital Solutions for Living Your Best Life. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 37(4), pp.215-216.
Elephant Journal. (2017). 20 Ways to Reduce Stress.. [online] Available at https://www.elephantjournal.com/2012/06/20-ways-to-reduce-stress/ [Accessed 6 Dec. 2017].
