Before going on my first backpacking trip, I had no idea why anyone would want to carry so much stuff, for so many miles.

My first day of hiking started out with a maladjusted backpack: my pack and straps were too loose, leaning the pack too far from my shoulders, and causing extra work in my lower back. The second day, despite the soreness of my lower back, the more appropriately fitted bag was surprisingly comfortable.

Some research shows we can carry a third of our weight (although backpacking wisdom suggests carrying a bag no more than 20% of your body weight).

Although I am not qualified to provide medical or fitness advice, I can share that backpacking taught me the value of having strong mental muscles for making it through tough situations.

Consider that mental motivation, not physical ability, could be the underlying explanation for amazing physical feats.

I especially lean on breaking things down, focusing, and celebrating small wins when working on a major goals, like a four day backpacking trip.

BABY STEPS

If the idea of walking 10 miles with a 30 pound bag is currently daunting, break it down to itsy-bitsy, tiny steps. Can you walk for 20 more minutes and then have a snack? Or a mile on relatively flat terrain? I think you’ll say yes. So what’s the next layer of challenge you would be willing to do? Start there. 

Now notice how repeatable this is for anything! Difficulty admitting when you’re wrong, going down an anxiety spiral related to the future, finishing all of your work paperwork, and so on.

FOCUS

When we go on a hike imagining Snow White’s world of birds landing on our fingers when we call, we will be even more disappointed to realize hiking is hard! Even if you like walking for miles, there are moments that are uncomfortable (much like relationships and life). If you can decide ahead of time how you will handle discomfort on the trail, you will be even more prepared to tolerate the mental challenge of a hike. 

1. Some people like to use an overarching goal as their motivation: it will mean xyz when I get to the end, I want to focus on enjoying the trees even when my legs hurt 
2. Some people use pace math for smaller hits of dopamine along the way 
3. Snacks and breaks are a great mental and physical motivator
4. Having a song in your head can help. If you feel comfortable using headphones (maybe just one?) this could be a nice tool
5. Noticing certain things about your route (as many birds as possible, as many plant types as possible) can also provide entertainment 
6. Breathing is always a good fallback 

CELEBRATING SMALL WINS

Similar to the previous idea, there can be a lot of work in camping and hiking, as well as a lot of ego strengthening, if you allow for it. When you first make a fire or first pitch your tent, these moments deserve celebration. Without taking a moment to express gratitude to oneself, backpacking becomes all work and no play, thereby plummeting dopamine levels.

Did you know dopamine is related to reward and motivation? By celebrating yourself, you get a spark of joy AND more fuel to keep going. This is not self-indulgent, it’s necessary. 

Baby steps, adjusting your focus, and celebrating your wins are just small ways to prepare and live through hard hiking/life incidents. If you’re curious about more, reach out. I would love to geek out about nature with you.