Once you’ve been bitten by the hiking bug, the temptation is to get out and about all the time. And make no mistake, hiking is good for your productivity. Being outside, getting physical exercise and so on all help your overall mental health and make you more productive. But of course, you’ve got to be able to balance your desire to bounce up mountains with your commitments to your studies. It is no easy task, balancing the exciting world of outdoor adventure with the need to sit in a classroom. But we’re on hand with some helpful tips to keep you meeting your study commitments and making sure you get plenty of time to enjoy a hike. When homework piles up, Ukwriting get your essay done and it can be a lifesaver. Ukwritings is a writing service that helps students complete their assignments efficiently, giving them more time to enjoy outdoor activities and other leisure activities.
Here are some other tips to help you balance getting everything done.
1. Plan Your Semester Wisely
If you are a serious hiker as well as a serious college student, you will need careful planning to fit them both in. Here is my approach.
- Check your syllabus early
- Mark important dates on your calendar
- Schedule hikes during less busy periods
- Use weekends and breaks for longer trips
- Plan short hikes for busy weeks
- Be flexible and adjust as needed
Remember, good planning allows you to enjoy nature without stressing about deadlines.
2. Make the Most of Your Location
Your college’s location can greatly affect your hiking options. Here’s how to take advantage:
Explore Local Trails
Investigate local hikes. Even city dwellers usually have nature reserves or parks available nearby. Short hikes are accessible and can quench your outdoor thirst without taking much time away from your schedule. For extensive writing assignments, you might consider an essay writer for hire UK to ensure you can balance both your academic and hiking interests effectively.
Join Hiking Groups
Look for a hiking club on campus or in town. These groups can organise trips and should be able to point you to great paths. They’re also a good way to meet people.
3. Incorporate Hiking into Your Study Routine
Hiking doesn’t have to be separate from your studies. You can combine both activities:
Take Your Reading Outside
If you have a lovely, quiet spot on campus, reading there is a perfect way to avoid distractions while taking advantage of the fresh air. It’s more pleasant and productive.
Use Hikes for Brainstorming
Long walks through nature can serve as a springboard for creative ideas. Consider investing your time in planning an essay topic or tackling a challenging problem.
4. Balance Time and Energy
How you can benefit from this depends on how you manage your time and energy. Below is an input that describes a task, paired with an instruction that specifies the task, and a response that appropriately completes the request.
Hiking Option | Time Required | Energy Level After | Impact on Studies |
Short local hike (1-2 hours) | Low | Energised | Positive |
Half-day hike (3-5 hours) | Medium | Slightly tired | Neutral |
Full-day hike (6+ hours) | High | Very tired | Potentially negative if you’ve got a lot on |
Weekend backpacking trip | Very high | Exhausted | Requires careful planning around studies |
Choose your hiking adventures based on your current workload and energy levels.
5. Gear Up Efficiently
Your hikes will be more comfortable and less time-consuming if you have the right gear. Here’s what you need to take into consideration.
Invest in Quality Basics
Comfortable hiking shoes, a well-fitting backpack, and clothing adapted to the season are also must-haves. A good piece of gear will last longer, and will do its job better, saving you time and money in the long run.
Keep a “Go Bag” Ready
Make it a habit to pack a bag of your most-used hiking gear and keep it ready so that, when free time arises, you can hit the trails without spending an hour preparing.
6. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Modern tech can help you balance hiking and studying:
- Hiking Apps
Apps such as AllTrails and Gaia GPS can help you find new hikes, and be used to track your effort as you complete them. These apps can help you plan efficient outings.
- Study Apps
If you use apps such as Forest or Quizlet to boost your productivity, you can study more in less time, and therefore have more time to go hiking.
7. Practice Self-Care and Know Your Limits
Balancing hiking and college requires you to take care of yourself:
- Listen to Your Body
Don’t overdo it. If you’re overstressed or exhausted, skip a hike or a heavier study day.
- Prioritise Sleep
If you’re not getting enough sleep, your performance will suffer not only on your exams, but also when you’re out on the trail. Get a good night’s sleep every night.
Conclusion
As long as you’re flexible and plan ahead, and allot and use your time well, it’s possible to maintain a good college life both in terms of getting the most out of your time at the institution and in terms of not losing your connection with the real world – which is to say the natural world – while doing so. Keep your priorities in order in whatever way works best for you and play around with them if you need to.
FAQ
- Q: How often should I go hiking while in university?
A: This depends on your schedule and what you like, but you might like to hike for two hours, twice a week, or you might have time only to hike for four hours on the weekend. Adapt it to fit your schedule and energy level. On the whole though, hiking is good for you. It helps to reduce stress which in turn helps your productivity. It just has to be scheduled carefully.
- Q: What if I have a test coming up and I want to go hiking?
A: Study. Get a short hike nearby for a study break. If you really want to plan a lengthier hike or a big trip, plan it after exams as a reward.
- Q: How can I find hiking buddies in university?
This can be as simple as making community announcements on bulletin boards at your university or online, joining outdoor or hiking clubs on campus, posting on student forums or using social media groups dedicated to hiking in your area. Many college campuses also have outdoor recreation programmes that organise group hikes.
- Q: Is it okay to go hiking alone as a student?
A: Hiking with others is safer than solo hiking, but solo hiking can be safe if you are careful. Let people know your trail and time of return, stay on marked trails, and always bring necessary safety gear for hiking, such as a map, compass, knife, matches, whistle and first-aid kit. Check with your college’s outdoor or wilderness activity program for their recommendations on solo hiking.
