16 October 2023
Melbourne, Australia – October 16, 2023 – Trail Hiking Australia, a popular free website for Australian adventures, is today announcing the launch of its new community forums and event management tool. The new features are designed to help people connect with each other, find, and organise events, and learn more about the many benefits of hiking.
The community forum is a place where hikers can share their experiences, ask questions, and get advice from each other. The new event management tool is a valuable resource for individuals, clubs, and groups, and it’s helping to make it easier for people to get involved in hiking and enjoy its many benefits.
“I’m excited to launch these new features to help the outdoor community connect with each other and enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits of hiking,” said Darren Edwards, founder of Trail Hiking Australia.
“Hiking is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and reduce stress. My goal is to make it easier for people to find trails to explore, connect with others who share the same passion, and to learn more about many benefits of hiking and the skills required.”
The Trail Hiking Australia website was founded by Darren Edwards as a hobby in 2013. This website is not a commercial venture and Darren continues to personally fund its development as his way of giving back to the community. Darren is a passionate bushwalker who started the website to share his love of hiking and help others to enjoy the benefits of this activity.
The main reason Darren started the website was to help others who are struggling with mental health. Edwards himself has experienced mental health challenges, and he credits hiking with helping him to improve his mental health.
“Hiking saved my life,” Edwards says. “I was struggling with depression and anxiety, and hiking gave me a way to escape the noise and stress of everyday life. It helped me to clear my head and find peace of mind.”
“Hiking has helped me to manage my depression and anxiety,” said Edwards. “It’s a great way to get exercise, clear my head, and connect with nature. I’m passionate about helping others to experience the benefits of hiking, and I believe that our new community forum and event management tool will make it easier for people to do just that.”
Trail Hiking Australia is a comprehensive resource of Australian trails to walk, run or ride. The website features information on over 3,300 trails across Australia, as well as preparation and safety tips, navigation advice, and details about essential gear. Users can search for trails by location, duration, difficulty, and length. The website also provides detailed information about each trail, including maps, photos, and reviews. In addition to its database of trails, the website is also home to a community of over 60,000 outdoor enthusiasts who share their passion for the outdoors.
Benefits of Hiking for Mental Health
Hiking is a great way to improve your mental health. It’s a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels, and it has several proven benefits for the mind.
- Reduces stress and anxiety. Hiking in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and anxiety. This is because spending time in nature can help to lower cortisol levels, the hormone that is released in response to stress.
- Improves mood. Hiking releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Spending time in nature has also been shown to increase feelings of happiness and well-being.
- Boosts cognitive function. Hiking can help to improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and creativity. This is because hiking requires you to focus on your surroundings and navigate the trail.
- Promotes social interaction. Hiking is a great way to socialise and connect with others. Hiking with friends or family members can help to strengthen relationships and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Hiking has been shown to have several mental health benefits. It can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve mood, self-esteem, and cognitive function.
One study found that hiking for just 30 minutes can reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Another study found that hiking can improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms in people with depression.
Hiking can also help to improve cognitive function. One study found that hiking can improve memory and attention in older adults.
If you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health, consider getting out in nature for a walk, run or ride. And be sure to check out the Trail Hiking Australia website for a comprehensive database of trails and other valuable resources, including the new community forums and event management tool.
Trail Hiking Australia is a valuable resource for people of all levels, and it is thanks to Darren’s passion and dedication that the website has become one of the best online resources for trails and outdoor preparedness in Australia.
Darren’s personal journey is a reminder that being outdoors in nature is not just a physical activity, it can also have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. If you are looking for a way to improve your mental health, get outdoors and give hiking a try.
