What comes to mind when you think of a lone woman hiking? Do you picture Reese Witherspoon traversing the Pacific Crest Trail in the film Wild? A woman with all her belongings on her back, navigating the mountains alone and finding inner peace along the way? Or does your mind conjure horror stories of snake bites, falls from high cliffs or, darker still, a violent stalker?
Whatever you imagine, the science is clear: spending time alone in nature is very good for you. There are well-documented physical benefits of course, like improved cardiovascular health and balance, but there’s also a plethora of research supporting the mental health benefits. According to a 2021 study based on data from Norway, Germany and New Zealand, solo wilderness activities provide a range of pathways to improve wellbeing, including introspection, mental clarity, self-actualisation and reflections on the larger meaning of life. Meanwhile, recent research from the Australian Psychological Society has shown that exposure to natural environments is associated with a lower risk of common
