Finding Peace Outside the Office
As someone who spends most of her weekdays navigating the fast-paced world of human resources, I know firsthand how draining office life can be. The emails, the meetings, the constant multitasking—it all adds up. And while I love my work, there are times when I feel completely overwhelmed. That’s when I lace up my hiking boots, head to the nearest trailhead, and reconnect with something that brings me back to center: nature.
Hiking has become more than just a hobby for me. It’s a vital part of my mental health routine. Over the years, I’ve learned that spending time outdoors isn’t just good for the body—it’s essential for the mind, especially for professionals juggling busy schedules and demanding careers. If you’ve ever felt burned out, anxious, or just plain stuck, I encourage you to consider the trail as your next form of therapy.
Why Hiking Works for the Mind
There’s something incredibly healing about being surrounded by trees, mountains, and open skies. When I’m hiking, my thoughts start to quiet. My breathing slows. My shoulders relax. The stress that felt so heavy in the office suddenly feels lighter with each step.
Science backs this up. Studies have shown that spending time in nature reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), improves focus, and even boosts mood. Walking through natural settings has been linked to decreased anxiety and depression. And here’s the best part—it doesn’t take a ten-mile trek to feel the benefits. Even a short hike can reset your mindset and lift your spirits.
For me, hiking is a moving meditation. It’s one of the few times I allow myself to unplug completely. No notifications. No back-to-back Zoom calls. Just the sound of my boots on the dirt and the wind through the leaves. It’s during these quiet hikes that I often come up with my best ideas—or realize that something I’ve been stressing over at work isn’t as urgent as I thought.
Creating Space to Breathe
In HR, we talk a lot about creating work-life balance, but achieving it is another story. That’s why I make time for hiking the same way I make time for a meeting or a deadline. I schedule it. I prioritize it. Because the truth is, we’re better professionals when we take care of ourselves.
Some weekends I’ll take on a longer trail in the Wasatch Mountains, especially when I need a true mental reset. Other times, it’s just a quick walk at a local park near Riverton. Either way, the goal isn’t speed or distance—it’s presence. It’s about stepping away from the noise and giving myself space to breathe and think clearly.
Hiking also gives me something I don’t get enough of during the workweek: solitude. I’m around people all day, and I genuinely enjoy that. But being alone in nature helps me reconnect with myself. I check in with my own thoughts and feelings without distraction. That self-awareness carries over into how I lead and how I show up for others.
Taking Hiking Lessons Back to the Office
One of the most surprising things I’ve noticed is how hiking has actually made me a better leader. When I’m hiking, I practice patience—especially on long, steep climbs. I focus on one step at a time instead of getting overwhelmed by the entire trail. I bring that same mindset back to work when projects feel daunting or when emotions run high in the office.
Hiking also reminds me to slow down. We live in a culture that glorifies busy-ness. But speed doesn’t always equal productivity. Sometimes, stepping back and taking things in from a higher perspective (literally and figuratively) gives me the clarity I need to move forward with intention.
I’ve even started encouraging my team to get outside more. We’ve done walking meetings, group hikes, and wellness challenges focused on movement and mindfulness. The feedback has been incredibly positive. People return from these experiences feeling lighter, more connected, and more energized.
No Experience Required
You don’t have to be an experienced outdoorsperson to get started with hiking. Some of the best mental health hikes I’ve had were short, simple walks on beginner trails. Start with what feels doable. Bring a friend if you’re nervous about going alone. Or, go solo if you’re craving quiet.
You don’t need fancy gear either—just comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and a willingness to disconnect for a little while. Nature doesn’t judge your pace or your stress level. It welcomes you exactly as you are, and that’s part of its magic.
Final Thoughts: One Step at a Time
If you’re a busy professional like me, chances are you’ve put your own mental health on the back burner more than once. I get it. But I’ve also learned that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Hiking has helped me stay grounded, focused, and emotionally healthy, even during some of the most stressful seasons of my life.
So the next time work feels like too much, or you just need a break from the noise, consider stepping outside. Let the trail be your therapist. Let the trees remind you to stand tall. Let the mountains teach you that every uphill climb is worth it.