Scientific Proof
First of all, rock climbing, especially outdoors, boosts brain function. In an interview with Huffington Post, professional climber for the North Face, Alex Johnson, explains: “I think the mental side of climbing is often overlooked. . .The movement in climbing up a route often demands body awareness and problem-solving. More often than not, the way to the top is not as direct as you might assume, and it takes laser focus to work through which holds to grab and where exactly to place your foot before shifting your body weight.” It is also reported that climbing can help people with dyspraxia (a developmental co-ordination disorder) to make improvements on their body movements. Additionally, credible research points out that time spent outdoors helps improve memory, decreases symptoms of ADHD, and can even give you a creative boost. Exercising in general is a way to help overcome mental health illnesses. Through exercise like rock climbing, self-esteem gets boosted and anxiety and depression can be alleviated. People in addiction recovery can even benefit from exercise and structured activity such as rock climbing.
Featured photo credit: Reno Tahoe Flickr via flickr.com
