Hiking for Therapy, and as a Reward Many returning veterans from the military services are returning home with all of the pains that associate a combat tour of duty. These men and women often struggle to rejoin a society that is far different than the one they have grown accustomed to in the military, and so should take every opportunity to make use of the advantages given to veterans. One such advantage is a VA home loan that can help a veteran apply for and receive a home loan to purchase their own home. But available benefits to a veteran and their family do not stop at VA home loans. Many resources are available for returning vets to take advantage of and to use. Some are financial but others are free both for the veteran and for everyone else.
Hiking as a Therapeutic Activity One example of a free and often therapeutic activity that returning veterans can do as they adjust to life back home is hiking. Hiking is one of the best ways to escape the world, get a good work out, and enjoy the beauty of the earth, all at the same time. Those who hike often come back refreshed and ready to take on the world. There’s something about fleeing the congestion of a crowded city and working hard to get a breath of fresh air that resets your mind and heart. Before you set out on an adventure, make sure you take care of the essentials that will make every good hike great. As you have probably already learned on your deployment overseas, water is your most needed resource on the trail.
Rules for the Hike It’s hard to enjoy nature when all you can think about is how much you need a respite from the heat of the climb. This complication is compounded if dehydration becomes a problem because of the lack of preparations in brining water with you on the hike. Second to bringing water is picking a bag that sits comfortably on your back with enough room to carry all the essentials. The perfect sized bag allows your items to fill two-thirds or three-quarters of its total space, allowing you to carry a load suitable for your abilities. Third, no hike should be undergone without telling someone else when and where it will take place. Strive not to venter out by yourself as this can be very dangerous, but if you are travelling alone, do not miss this important step of telling others your hiking plans.
Let someone know where you plan to go and when you plan to be back. Even if you plan on hiking with no clear destination on a trail, let someone know where that trail is. Hiking can be peaceful, relaxing, and energizing all at the same time. Getting out and exploring new trails and hidden destinations all while enjoying the pleasantry of the earth is both a reward and a therapeutic session for many people, including other returning vets. So as you returning veterans take advantage of all of the benefits available to you through the VA office, do not forget that one of the best benefits is simply getting out and doing something you love or trying something new, like hiking. Photo credit: Al_HikesAZ via photopin cc Photo credit: Photoshoparama - Dan via photopin cc