7 Reasons why climbing mountains is the best way to use your PTO

Is there a best way to use paid time off?

What is the best way to use PTO? The best for your health and well-being? There’s at least one other person with the belief that it is hiking the Pacific Northwest to an epic sunset view of the cascade’s volcanic giants Rainier, Adams, and Saint Helens. This week it is Jibin, of New York, and this is what he did with his paid time off.

Did you know, people who adventure in the outdoors have a lot to gain by doing so. Motivation, productivity, problem solving skills, social and team building skills, mental clarity, and physical health are just some of the benefits. Join me as we look at photos from the hike with Jibin last week and talk about these benefits.

Jibin Chacko, of New York, is a procurement manager for a semiconductor manufacturing company

Social Benefits.

People who adventure with others improve their social skills and learn to work with others.

As you may have noticed in the photo above, Jibin is a batman fan. I love it! And such a good conversation starter! Having friendly conversation, telling stories, and making new friends is one of the benefits of getting in the outdoors.

And team skills: To conquer this mountain together we need to become a team. This means communicating well, developing trust in each other, and having fun!

Physical Health.

Probably the most obvious of the bunch, adventuring in the outdoors usually requires making yourself move. Unlike running on a treadmill, you can’t jump off the path at any time. This builds physical endurance.

At 16 miles with 3500 feet elevation gain, this hike fits the definition of a ‘Hard Day Hike’. Jibin and I were out 9 hours from car to destination back to car. That’s including several mini photo shoots along the way. We literally kicked this mountain up and down! We both were very close to 50,000 steps on our smartwatches, and that was with 20-30 pounds on our backs and climbing up rocky terrain.

Motivation and Productivity.

Being the amazing stress reliever mother nature is, people who get outside and explore not only ease stress but become more motivated and productive in their work and personal life.

I’ve seen studies showing that 8 days is the peak amount of time to take a work vacation. It’s enough time to get completely removed from work and experience health and well-being improvements.

But what about when you simply can’t take 8 days off? Or maybe your work continues to interfere with your attention even when you take days off. Wouldn’t it be nice to just turn off all messaging and email?

When you really explore into the national forests and national parks of Washington you’ll find that you don’t get a mobile network connection. Instead you get fresh mountain air, the incredible beauty of mother nature, and life in the moment one step at a time.

Problem solving.

The wilderness is called wild for a reason. It can present obstacles which build problem solving skills, both alone and in a group.

There were a couple snow fields to cross on this hike. Depending on weather conditions this hard snow can become icy and quite slick. Without microspikes we made use of trekking poles for additional traction and found the safest path across.

Darkness can be another situation that presents problems. I find that finding a sense of calm from within (and a stopping to gaze at the stars) helps a ton here. As a by-product of the main goal to be at the destination during sunset, we planned for the entire hike out to happen in the dark.

At the very end of dusk at around 7100’ elevation, we have 7 miles yet to hike out.

Mental Clarity.

Two things many outdoor adventures give a person is time and tranquility. Also, it can be hard not to be in-the-moment when surrounded by nature’s beauty. It’s in times like these that many people find clarity in important life matters.

If you’ve followed my blog posts you’ve probably read about how hiking has made a positive impact in my mindset in the post “My Hike Back to Happiness”. Connecting with the wilderness and the mountains has improved the quality of my life and I hope that some type of adventure can do that in your life as well!

"…building the skills to research and plan such a trip is a benefit in itself."
  

Another aspect not to be looked over is the preparation it takes to be successful with hiking and backpacking trips. Research of the current (and ever-changing) conditions, permits needed, gear needed, back-up plans, training… building the skills to research and plan such a trip is a benefit in itself.

If you would like to get in touch with me, Ross, about planning an outdoor adventure documented with photos, shoot me an email or text message and we can chat about the perfect adventure!