It's time to
Take a hike!
A gentle, guided hike lead by Creekwear.
Mental health education provided by 57 North Hampton.
Healing made possible, by you.
START HERE
Mental Health Check In/Out
In this brief questionnaire you'll rate the intensity of the various emotions you're feeling right now using a slider. Take Part I at the start of the event and Part II immediately afterwards to gauge the impact being in this space had on your mental health.Put in your email at the end to have the results sent to you.
in case you're wondering
So, how does this really help?
Being able to submerge yourself in the raw beauty of nature is always a cathartic and awe-inspiring experience, but if you allow it, it can be so much more than that.
Did You Know?
Reduced Stress & Anxiety: Hiking lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels and muscle tension, while natural sounds like bird song can be calming
Researchers at Stanford found that walking can boost creative thinking by up to 60%.4 Walking can literally promote both the growth and survival of brain cells, through the simulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, to enhance many of our cognitive functions and reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Unlike walking in an urban environment, walking in nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax and recover. Research suggests that spending time in natural surroundings can improve problem-solving skills by 50%.
And on a day like today, hiking with 57 North Hampton & Creekwear offers the unique opportunity to reduce any feelings of loneliness and isolation that you might be feeling, by surrounding you with a community that shares similar interests with you.
Enhance this experience
Hiking through stretches of vibrant green nature teeming with wildlife is always going to be a restorative experience, but today we dare you to see what happens when you add a bit of intentionality to this experience, with five unique ways to engage with this environment to improve your mental health and wellbeing.
PRACTICE NOTICING
Spend some time observing the natural elements around you--trees, sky, birds, bugs, even weeds. Dont try to overanalyze what you're seeing, just notice the details--the shape of a leaf, the color variations within a flower, the way the sunlight filters through the trees.This simple mindfulness exercise can help calm the nervous system and build a stronger connection to nature.
TAKE A SENSORY HIKE
Consciously use as many senses as you can. Focus on identifying the scents of the trail. What do you smell? Damp earth, pine needles, perhaps a lingering tinge of campfire.Feel the rough bark of a tree or the soft cool sponginess of moss.Listen for the sounds of different birds, or even the various sounds of your feet landing on the earth.Turn your gaze on not only the colors surrounding you, but the intricate weavings of light and shadows.Even a short sensory fueled hike can help regulate your nervous system and reduce stress.
Self reflect
Try using metaphors based on the natural world to help you process your emotions or work through a problem. For example, to determine what you may need to let go of, think of leaves falling in Autumn. What worries or regrets in your life should you let go of and let fall away?Processing emotions through nature-based metaphors can feel less threatening.
Make a friend
Did you know that loneliness is now considered an epidemic in the US? Take a moment to appreciate being surrounded by those who share a similar interest and connect with someone.Here are some icebreaker questions to get you started:What's the most inexplicable thing that's ever happened to you?What's your spirit animal?What food smells way better than it tastes?If you could change your name, what new name would you pick?
ABOUT
Creek Wear LLC
Creek Wear is an outdoor lifestyle brand inspired by nature, discovery, and respect for the land. Rooted in the creeks, valleys, and waterways of the Tennessee River Valley, we create apparel, gear, and future-focused products for people who explore with purpose. Creek Wear stands for resilience, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world around us.Click here to check out the Creekwear app!
ABOUT
57 North Hampton
57 North Hampton is an Alabama-based mental health advocacy organization that works to provide therapy sessions to those without access. Additionally, we work alongside mental health professionals and local entrepreneurs to develop fun and innovative programs, events, and materials that teach mental health and coping strategies to our audience. This we do with the understanding that barriers to therapy are not just financial but cultural, social, emotional, and so much more.