Health Benefits of a Summer holiday in the Mountains

Originally posted here, Health Fitness Revolution looks into the health benefits of a summer holiday in the mountains…

Go feel the sun on your back and on your face. Go and see nature in it’s most raw beauty. The mountains are the perfect place to retreat on your next holiday, to commune with nature. There are various activities to do while going to the mountains for example; hiking, climbing, fishing, canoeing, skiing, and camping. There are many health benefits of a summer holiday in the mountains, here are the top 9 reasons why you should book your next summer holiday in the mountains!

Altitude

Even visiting the mountains for less than one week can spike weight loss. High altitude also can decrease the appetite, making us feel more full. Simply living in high altitude can decrease your weight. If you are lazy and want to lose weight but still eat pizza, and hamburgers than go visit the mountains! The gorgeous resort of Les Gets in the French Alps has an altitude of 1170m in the resort with peaks of 2,000m – book your holiday in Les Gets here.

Lower heart disease

Altitude creates another health benefit during a summer holiday in the mountains, as it can help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Reduced oxygen helps to create new pathways for blood vessels for oxygen to flow. You also have a lower risk of dying from ischemic heart disease.  People (especially women) living at high altitudes are less likely to die from heart attacks. Scientific evidence shows that life at high altitudes can lead to healthier hearts.

Fresh Air

Being up in the mountains gives your lungs the chance to breathe in oxygen that is free of gasses or air pollution. The fresh air helps with respiratory problems and easier breathing for asthma. The most common scent while travelling through a mountain is pine, (it’s like walking through Christmas in the summer). Studies show that pine decreases hostility, depression, and stress.

Builds up happiness

Not all health benefits of a summer holiday in the mountains are physical, they can also be emotional. Lavender that grows at mountain bases is known to help depression and aid good sleep. If you are feeling down, or just simply low about life, go for a walk in the mountains. A new study has found quantifiable evidence that walking for 90 minutes in nature could lead to a lower risk of depression, compared to walking for 90mins in a built-up area.

Great for relationships

Going to the mountains is great bonding time with family and friends. Being scared of heights, coming close to quitting, or huffing and puffing with your loved ones creates a great way to laugh and form new memories and stronger bonds. Overcoming obstacles and peaks is a great way to strengthen your relationships by encouraging each other. Want to explore the mountains with your family this summer? Click here to find your next family holiday of a lifetime.

Beautiful Scenery/ Finding Peace

Mountains can be beneficial for finding inner peace in your life. They can help you re-discover the beauty of nature, and how nature can create life within itself. Throughout history, people have turned to mountains to find peace. Mountains teach you the importance of slowing down. Constantly encountering different sounds, smells, and noises trigger the brain differently to a stay in a city, and it all acts to soothe your nerves. Click here to find out more and book your next health and relaxation holiday in the mountains.

Set new limits

Amongst the many health benefits of a summer holiday in the mountains, one of the most fulfilling is getting a greater understanding of your own power. When you are out in the mountains, you are constantly reminded of your strength. Even when you do feel that fear kicking in, setting new limits for yourself helps you to attain your goals and begin to discover new limits for yourself. Going hiking, climbing, mountain biking, or white water rafting all require an adventurous side. Want to experience an adventure holiday in the mountains? Click here to find the perfect resort for you in the French Alps.

It’s not a sight but an experience

Even though the mountain views are the perfect backdrop for an Instagram photo, and will provide a cool filter for your location on Snapchat, disconnecting from your phone is an even greater reward. No picture can truly showcase the beauty of what you’re seeing with your eyes.

Want to explore the mountains this summer? Check out our luxury self-catered apartments and fully staffed catered chalets in the French Alps.