By Alex Staniforth

The benefits of the outdoors are widely documented and enjoyed by many. Is it the fresh air? The scenery? Being in nature? Endorphins? Is it all; or something more?

With an inclusive group of 27 people, we set off into the majestic Lake District, England’s largest national park, to find out for ourselves.

Mind Over Mountains was a weekend of hillwalking up Skiddaw and Blencathra, but so much more. We were lucky to be joined by an NLP coach, Chris Spray, and a mindfulness coach, Mike Henshall, helping the group look inward. Inspiring young adventurer Oli Broadhead made an impromptu trip to speak and share his personal journey of mental health to scientific adventure; planting the seed of what can be achieved in the face of adversity.

1) The sound of silence

We were staying at the charming YHA Skiddaw House, the highest hostel in England, and three miles from the nearest road. There were no roads or vehicles – besides the Fighter Jet that roared through the valley – only babbling streams, conversation and the odd shout that dinner was ready. Mike’s mindfulness helped the group to appreciate the bounty of silence (except for Jim snoring like a trooper). How often do we get to escape the stress of our noisy, modern lives?

2) Everyone becomes equal

Mind Over Mountains was a group of mostly strangers. For many it was a daunting leap to come alone. But all went home as friends. Everyone comes to the hills for their own reasons. Some were the life and soul; others preferred the peace of their own thoughts. From the fell-runners to the Sunday plodders; in the hills we are only competing with the environment and the challenge it offers, like the steep climb up Bakestall.

3) The world seems brighter from above

Nature brings those moments of wonder in the smallest things; the rolling shoulders of Skiddaw, the cloud formations, the summit panorama from Blencathra towards the Helvellyn range and far across to Galloway in Scotland. With a perishing-cold dip in Scales Tarn and impromptu ‘afternoon tea’ of Grasmere Gingerbread, we had this quiet corner of the Northern Fells to ourselves. Even in our lowest troughs, climbing mountains and looking down from above helps put our challenges into perspective.

4) Challenging ourselves raises our threshold

For some it was challenging at times and well outside of comfort zones. Feeling anxious, like they couldn’t continue, or that they were a failure. With a supportive team of leaders, they not only made the summit of two big fells, but returned to Skiddaw House with a glowing sense of achievement and confidence for next time. Every time we challenge ourselves we raise our threshold – we prove what we can do and become more resilient to challenges back home.

5) Focusing on the positive things

It’s difficult to dwell on something negative for long when you’re pre-occupied with navigating, absorbing the surroundings, watching your footing, keeping safe; hydrated, fed, warm and dry.  The negative thoughts may still be there when you get home, but even if you get respite for just thirty minutes, taking a break calms the mind and these peaks makes the troughs worthwhile.

6) Disconnecting to find a real connection

Social media is creating unrealistic expectations of the world, leading us to continually compare ourselves to others. We are constantly switched on and at the mercy of notifications. At Skiddaw House there was no mobile signal, Wi-Fi, and the only chance to connect back home was sporadic at best. Getting some time off-grid each week is so important and in our increasingly connected world the best way is going somewhere where there’s no choice!

7) Body and mind work as one

The obvious benefits of exercise need no explanation. After each walk there was a buzzing atmosphere at the bunkhouse from the endorphins that a good walk always brings. If your body feels good, then your head naturally tends to follow. The hardest part can be taking those first steps, especially when you’re lacking motivation. But the hills have something big or small for everyone to go as far or as high as they feel like doing.

On Monday morning we laced up our Merrell’s once more and strolled down the valley to Blencathra Field Centre; fuelled by a mountain of Mike’s cake. With hugs all round it was clear to see the transformation in this inspiring group; returning home more recharged, confident and resilient. I have no doubt they will be packing their Merrell’s and returning to create their own trails very soon.

Hill-walking might not be a miracle cure for the mental or physical mountains we may be facing. But, like hill-walking, when the slope gets steeper, more daunting, and dark clouds thicker; if we put our mind over those mountains, it’s quite amazing what we can achieve.