Travel news, information on the best places to visit in Italy, where to go for vacation suggestions of travelers, personal trip experiences, and HIKING: follow me on my exploration of the most exciting adventures
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As we age, it becomes increasingly important to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of the most accessible and enjoyable forms of exercise for seniors is walking. The combination of physical activity and the great outdoors can provide numerous health benefits and a sense of well-being.
Drawing from expert advice from the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) and doctors, we explore the art of walking for health and happiness, particularly for those in their golden years.
The regions of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta in Italy are known for an impressive quantity of castles and other kinds of fortifications. Many of them are visitable: some are managed by the state or region, others are private, and many are ruins, but loved by tourists. The downside is that many interesting places are normally closed. Some of them open on Sundays in the summer, thanks to volunteers. It's important to find the website of the castle and contact the responsible person to ensure that your desired place is open.
There was one castle that had been on my list for a few years, but it was always so easily accessible that I never found the time to visit. Once, when I passed by, it was even open, but there were too many people waiting for the visit... I'm not a fan of crowds.
To see ALL THE PHOTOS of this walk, ⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎ Continue Reading This Story Here: ⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎
Hiking is good for emotional health. You feel awe and wonder when you're surrounded by nature's beauty. It makes you appreciate and be grateful. The sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world awake.
A hike is a great way to escape the stresses of modern life. It's easy to slow down, breathe deeply, and let go of worries and distractions in nature. You can feel calm and relaxed when you feel this peace and stillness.
What science says about the impact of hiking on our psychological well-being
Research shows that spending time in nature has a significant impact on the brain and emotions. Nature activates parts of the brain linked to pleasure and reward, increasing happiness and well-being. Exposure to natural settings has also been shown to decrease activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rumination and negative self-talk.
Being in nature can also help regulate emotions. Studies have demonstrated that spending time in green spaces can reduce anger, fear, and stress while increasing feelings of relaxation and tranquility. Nature serves as a natural stress reliever, enabling you to reset and recharge. =>>> Continue reading
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your inner self?
Consider heading out into nature and embarking on a hike! Not only is hiking a great way to exercise your body, but it also has numerous benefits for your psychological and emotional well-being.
Image Source: FreeImages
The Connection Between Psychological and Emotional Well-being and Hiking
Being in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life allows you to disconnect from technology and connect with yourself. The peace and tranquility of the great outdoors can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calmness and clarity. In addition, hiking provides an opportunity for solitude and reflection, giving you the space to process your emotions and thoughts.
Spending time in nature has been shown to improve mood and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. The physical exertion of hiking releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. These feel-good chemicals can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, leaving you feeling more positive and uplifted.
When you prioritize self-care, you're showing yourself love and respect. What better way to practice self-care than by getting out in nature and going for a hike? We talk about the wonders of self-esteem today.
Let's talk about the amazing benefits of self-care, self-esteem, self-love, and hiking! Taking care of ourselves is so important, and it's not just about physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being. When you prioritize self-care, you're showing yourself love and respect, and that can do wonders for your self-esteem. And what better way to practice self-care than by getting out in nature and going for a hike?
Hiking is not only a great form of physical activity, but it also allows you to connect with the beauty of the outdoors and clear your mind. The combination of physical activity and being in nature can have a powerful impact on your overall well-being. So, let's lace up our hiking boots and hit the trails, while also showing ourselves some love and care along the way!
As I have mentioned many times before, I am a woman in my 60s who enjoys walking solo. This habit originated many years ago when I used to accompany tourists daily. During my days off, I wanted to have the freedom of not being responsible for other people. That's why, when I relocated from the south to the north of Italy and my health declined, it wasn't difficult for me to choose to walk alone instead of joining hiking groups.
There are several advantages to organizing myself in this way: I can go out whenever I want, walk at a comfortable pace, take breaks every few steps to catch my breath, capture photos, and admire the flowers and plants. If I come across someone on the street, I stop to have a conversation—I enjoy listening to the stories shared by locals. There is no pressure to reach a specific destination—I walk until a certain time and then head back.
Hiking is a popular recreational activity that involves walking or trekking through natural landscapes, often on trails or designated paths. I like to visit interesting historical places like castles.
Discovering Italy by walking has become a national sport in the country. It is said that more than 39% of vacationers prefer walking, reaching not only the usual tourist attractions on foot but also the most distant refuges, hotels, and last year, I went for a walk in a place situated very far from the “normal” streets. I don't know how my poor car made out of that adventure alive because the road was completely bumpy. You could only get through with a tank, in my opinion.
There were few parking options on-site, but almost all of them were occupied just by early morning. I passed near a building that was a hotel and a restaurant. In the afternoon, on my way back, I thought about eating there, but it was all booked and they didn't accept me. It was full, and those people—by the way, many of them were well-dressed, not hikers, (!) and there were even those with walking problems—came up till there for lunch!
I swear, I was really… mmm… surprised. While walking, you meet a lot of people. In the mountains, it seems to me, you find more people than in the city, especially if the weather is good and it's a weekend. I think it’s because hiking promotes mental well-being by reducing stress, offering a chance to escape the routines of everyday life, enhancing mood, and providing a sense of tranquility and mindfulness.
This year I decided to explore the castles.
There are really MANY castles where I can get in 1–3 hours by car. This is convenient. Because not all the places you want to visit can be reached by train or on foot. Sometimes they are far away, and I can't walk a long way and then return to the train station. One of these places is the Castle of Graines.
I never thought that a stone found on the road could tell me so much about life and amazing events worldwide. Balma Syenite of Valle Cervo (Biella) is born in the center of the Earth…
Do you like fables? Here is one about a Simple Stone. Hope you like it.
The Tale of the Simple Stone
Once upon a time, nestled within the heart of an ancient forest, there lay a simple stone, unassuming and weathered by the passage of countless seasons. This unpretentious rock, seemingly inconspicuous, held within its silent core a tale that transcended time itself.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the moss-covered ground, the stone began to whisper the secrets of the ages. It spoke of the mighty trees that had stood sentinel for centuries, witnessing the dance of the leaves in the gentle breeze and the symphony of birdsong that echoed through the woodland. (continue reading in the article)
Balma Syenite of Valle Cervo (Biella)
I never thought that a stone found on the road could tell me so much about life and amazing events worldwide. Balma Syenite of Valle Cervo (Biella) is born in the center of the Earth…
Perhaps none of you will find this piece of stone interesting. We see it every day. Instead, it is a miracle. I’ll explain right away.
I’m not a geologist and don’t know much about minerals. This stone caught my attention when I was preparing to guide excursions in Casa Zegna (with FAI) last week: Why does this (unique) piece of syenite appear among all the most precious materials in the garden of this representative villa (the cup inside the fountain)?
Are you tired of spending countless hours indoors, glued to screens, and surrounded by the hustle and bustle of city life?
It's time to reconnect with nature and experience the incredible mental health benefits that hiking has to offer.
Research has shown that spending time in the great outdoors, immersed in the beauty of nature, can have a profound
impact on our psychological well-being. In this article, we will delve into the wonders of hiking and how it can improve
our mental health. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Image Source: FreeImages Unsplash.com
The Healing Power of Nature: A Scientific Perspective
In recent years, numerous studies have shed light on the positive effects of spending time in nature. One study
conducted by the European Centre for Environment & Human Health revealed that people who spent just two hours a
week in green spaces reported better overall health and enhanced psychological well-being compared to those who
didn't. This finding highlights the significance of our connection with nature and the profound impact it can have on our
mental health.
Reducing Stress Levels: A Breath of Fresh Air
Stress has become an unavoidable part of modern life, but nature offers a welcomed respite from the pressures of daily
living. Research has shown that interacting with nature can lead to a range of positive stress-related benefits. The
calming effects of nature help to lower blood pressure, reduce the production of stress hormones, and provide a sense
of tranquility. Whether it's the gentle rustling of leaves or the soothing sound of a flowing stream, the natural world has
a remarkable ability to bring us back to a state of calmness and relaxation.
In a world filled with endless crises, serious illnesses, and a chronic lack of work, people are turning back to traditional professions, offering us the experience of being close to nature
Located amidst the stunning beauty of the mountains, this remote mountain restaurant enjoys immense popularity among hikers and adventure enthusiasts. This hidden gem offers a unique dining experience that perfectly complements the thrill of exploring the rugged wilderness.
Nestled in the heart of nature, the restaurant provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its serene ambiance and breathtaking views make it an ideal destination for those seeking solace and serenity.
The owners are young. Young people today prefer working in contact with nature. I don't know how it is in your country, but in Italy, it is very difficult to find a permanent job, especially for young people, who are often underpaid and exploited. Many of them return to traditional occupations. They manage farms with attached restaurants, work as shepherds, and raise farm animals. Yet, they approach these jobs with a sense of creativity. Make them beneficial for their families, but also beautiful and interesting.
An indescribable beauty of a place where the mountains are higher than 2000 meters above sea level and where you feel renewed in the midst of nature, animals that know they are not threatened by man.
Serrù Lake, Agnel Lake, Colle di Nivolet... This is now a place that I visit every June: a unique place where you can meet lots of marmots and also a large herd of ibex.
I leave the car near Lake Serrù and take a nice walk. This time I decided to explore the Ancient Military Road. Honestly, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make it after the winter, but in the end, I did 9 km with significant altitude differences: the parking lot is at 2250 meters above sea level, the highest part I reached 2350, then I went down to 2070 and returned to the parking lot.
I often have breathing problems when walking at heights above 1500m asl, but yesterday I felt so good - I have to say that the height was not felt at all. I mean that if you are afraid of feeling bad in the high mountains (it happens with many) maybe you should choose a different season. For example June and not July or August.
Serrù Lake, Agnel Lake, Colle di Nivolet... This is now a place that I visit every June: a unique place where you can meet lots of marmots and also a large herd of ibex. I leave the car near Lake Serrù and take a nice walk. This time I decided to explore the Ancient Military Road. Honestly, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make it after the winter, but in the end, I did 9 km with significant altitude differences: the parking lot is at 2250 meters above sea level, the highest part I reached 2350, then I went down to 2070 and returned to the parking lot.
