Hiking and Healing with Kashayla Unis
Kashayla Unis is a military veteran currently studying Law. She shares how hiking helped her on her mental health journey. We learn more tips to get outside, why you should always bring a second pair of socks, and why aerial yoga is her new favorite thing.
At A Glance
Kashayla Unis shares how hiking in nature helped combat PTSD. Her organization Hiking Heals was created to bring awareness to mental health disorders and increase marginalized communities connection to the outdoors.
We discuss the importance of increasing exposure to Black and Brown communities, the impact of stereotypes and socioeconomic barriers
Kashayla provides tips for beginners including safety, favorite gear, and her favorite trail apps.
We talk about the cultural memory of the land and how being outdoors can feel heavy from a historical lens.
Kashayla shares some of the exercises she enjoys that prepare her for hikes whether that’s stretching at home, aerial yoga, or pilates.
Key Takeaways
- There are numerous articles supporting a positive relationship between hiking and cognitive health
- The forest environment has been shown to promote lower concentrations of the stress hormone, lower heart rates, and lower blood pressure
- Never hike alone, know who you are hiking with, wear appropriate shoes and stay hydrated
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Resources
According to their website: Outdoor Afro celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Programs like Making Waves help Black families and Black communities develop a positive relationship with water. Their Volunteer leaders program develops leaders to safely coordinate adventures like foraging, fishing, kayaking, gardening, and skiing.
Their mission is to cultivate safe spaces for Black communities where growth, connection, and wellness thrive. Programs include mental health hikes, Domestic Violence Prevention, and youth empowerment.
Reclama is a spiritual wellness community helping women of color reclaim themselves through hiking and journaling. Offerings include hikes, retreats, and community events.
An organization looking to increase access to climbing for Black, Indigenous and People of Color by providing training, mentorship, and gear to aspiring leaders of color in the industry.
A community highlighting Asian-American and other historically underrepresented groups with a goal of bringing people of all identities together through a mutual love of snow and skate culture.
Trail guides and maps for hiking, camping, and running.
REI Co- Op provides community classes, presentations, and in- store events to help master skills and increase competence outdoors.
