Hiking is a meditative activity that connects you with nature and gives you a break from daily life. Though hiking in Texas can be intimidating due to heat and dangerous wildlife, like poisonous spiders and snakes, the meditative aspect of spending some quiet time in nature isn’t lost. It's easy to forget about the beauty of nature, even when it’s close and accessible, so being outside for a bit helps to reestablish this connection we have paved over.

Many children aren’t getting the same outdoorsy experience as earlier generations, it seems, and to be inspired by nature is a wonderful feeling everyone should experience on a regular basis as a way to de-stress and forget work for a few hours. Hiking isn’t something you should feel obligated to do on a daily or even weekly basis. It’s meant to be an extended period of deep thought and relaxation, admiring the beauty of nature while also getting great exercise.

Camping is similarly a good opportunity to spend time with family or friends without distractions that accompany city / town life. It's an opportunity to connect not only with nature, but with other people on a deeper level – there are no distractions and there’s time for talking, cooking and playing games together. I’ve had some of my most fond memories on hikes with the people I enjoy spending time with because hiking makes me feel more grounded. While it’s always nice to have alone time, it’s important to connect with old friends.

For me, it’s easy to get caught up in a rigorous schedule and ignore others because I get so stressed with work. Taking hikes gives me a respite from this chaos. I'm better able to organize my thoughts and therefore, work more efficiently after a hike. It might sound cheesy but this form of meditation I've found to be, while physically exhausting, mentally relaxing and enjoyable with or without the company of others. Staying inside or sticking to your normal routine is a way to stay in your comfort zone, but going hiking and mustering the energy to go out either by yourself or with others is a good way to refocus or clear your mind.

It’s important to reconnect with nature often and hiking is an energizing way to do it. One of the biggest challenges I've faced recently is balancing my life with work and relaxation, and hiking is a happy medium between the two. Not only is it healthy and emotionally stabilizing compared to alternative outdoor activities, but being outside is so instantly gratifying and improves clarity of mind. The beauty of the outdoors should be embraced often, as it eases depression and lets you feel peaceful. Everyday life can be taxing and taking some time to spend outdoors slows the fast pace, even if just for a few hours.