In principle, a hiking vacay sounds like a lot of fun. You get to enjoy some beautiful scenery, hopefully in glorious weather.

But the activity can also take its toll on you mentally. You want to be fit and strong enough to take it on. But, sometimes, there’s a part of you that knows that you’re not quite ready. 

According to most psychologists, the challenge of hiking is 20 percent physical and 80 percent mental. Most people in the right frame of mind can traverse a trail or mountain with no problems. But it’s just getting the brain in the right place that can be a challenge. 

In this post, therefore, we take a look at some of the ways you can mentally prepare for hiking to avoid disaster. 

Complete All Your Preparations Beforehand

Stress can detract from your hiking experience. So it’s a good idea to prepare everything you need for an expedition well in advance. 

Start by thinking about all the food and drink supplies you’ll need to take with you. Remember to take plenty of food and water to prevent you from dehydrating or getting too low on sugar. Climbing steep inclines can require a lot of energy. 

Also, be sure that you’ve got all the right gear in your pack. You’ll need a sun hat, waterproof, and enough layers for the season. You may also need a snood or neck protector if you are walking in windy conditions. 

Relax Into It

Hiking is something you do for fun, so you don’t have to force yourself around a course. If the going is getting a little tough, take a break or turn around. You don’t have to complete a particular course, just because that’s what you set out to do. You always have options. 

Create A Hiking System

Ideally, you want to automate as much of the hiking process as possible so that you can reduce how much you have to think. Packing things like an electronic predator call or pillow should become something you do unconsciously after a while. Try getting into a fixed routine. The more predictable you make things, the easier your trek will be. 

Improve Your Nighttime Experience

Because you are out in nature, it can become very dark on a trek. Once the sun goes down, you often find yourself in pitch blackness, or just faint moonlight. 

Always take a hiking headlamp with you as this will allow you to see better in the dark. Also, you may want to install an overhead lamp in your tent so that you can see your possessions and your sleeping bag at night. 

To make night time more enjoyable, try to organise your clothing nearby so it’s easy for you to get up at night. And remember to take earbuds with you if nature sounds are keeping you awake. 

Prepare Your First-Aid Kit

Lastly, it can help you mentally if you are prepared for things to go wrong. Take a first aid kit with you with all the bandages, supplies and medications that you need.