It's a fundamental question, which has probably been asked during hunting excursions since we lived in caves, yet it's only in the last decade that studies have begun to analyse the psychology.

As long as I can remember, various members of my family at various times have made a call, irrespective of the weather: "let's go for a walk" - and out we've gone (complete with some form of part-way snack reward!). We've all, almost always, returned home more freely chatting to each other and feeling more revived and excitedly thinking about what's up next... a renewed outlook on the day-to-day, backlog and upcoming stuff of life.
To the day, I have days where, no, I just need to get out in the wild, even if that's a short local walk, in the rain; and invariably I find the same - once home, I'm refreshed.

This is one of THE main benefits of a weekend expedition, which we at TrexExplore really want to share and experience with you.
It's also far better to make those wild escapes with people who are content to journey alongside (not competing), who will swap stories or opinions without agenda and who equally want to be inspired. We strive to be those kind of people!

Having just attended a mental health awareness refresher training session, I find that the reasoning behind taking time to refresh, ideally in a different scenario, has been reiterated to me strongly, as well as echoing recent discussions with friends. Humans cannot go for long without needing a reassurance or second-opinion from another. Even the very best world-changing explorers have preferred to trek alongside others for company (regardless of the need to carry equipment): there is huge personal, psychological gain from sharing any new experience.

It is vital that we each take time for ourselves, maybe daily or weekly - taking a few moments to pause outside and observe what's around us, and reflect on how that affects us, in order to gain perspective. It is also hugely important to connect with the natural world around us, to understand and appreciate what it offers us, from free edible treats to fresh air and water, to the inpiring views, as well as endless roaming opportunity (detouring where required to!).

I believe that humankind has an in-built curiosity which needs fulfilling ("what can I see from the top of that mountain?"), as well as a need to be mentally free (excursions into parks and countryside, large and small): both of these revive free-choice and help set personal direction and viewpoints. The hill, mountain, moor or valley doesn't matter, but the companions and activities shared do.

Take some time and find a hill or wood to explore, and refresh your mind! We'll help!

Some further reading:

• https://www.thebmc.co.uk/health-benefits-of-climbing-and-hill-walking
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/201004/trying-new-things
• https://time.com/5539942/green-space-health-wellness/
• https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/