Take a hike: Maine school trades detention for fresh air and exercise

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A high schoolin Maineis ditching detention in favor of disciplinary hikes.

As part of its “detention hikes” program, Morse High School in Bath, Maine, is offering students the option to go for a walk instead of sitting in a classroom as punishment.

The idea was sparked by school counselor Leslie Trundy last year, who is an avid hiker, according to a report by The Washington Post.

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At first, the concept was met with doubts from students who thought the hikes on nearby trails might be “boring,” sophomore Alexander Soto told the publication.

But the students reportedly took a fast liking to the alternative, enjoying thefresh air, wildlife and conversation with others.They also noted that the experience improved their mood.

Morse High School in Bath, Maine, has brought back “detention hikes” for a second year.(Actual students not pictured.)(iStock)

“People seem really different in a good way at the end,” Trundy told The Washington Post.“Kids have even expressed it to me.They’ve said, like, ‘That was really awesome, thank you.’ … Even if they’re not as vocal about it, I can tell that they’re in a better place.”

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The hikes reportedly span about three miles.Students stop for a break near a creek with snacks supplied by Trundy, who also brings along a poem about “starting anew.”

One student, Elsie Nelson-Walling, told The Washington Post that she attended five detention hikes after getting in trouble forskipping class, as she “struggled to sit still in a classroom.”

four young hikers follow trail in forest

Students have reported opting to go on hikes even when they’re not in trouble.(iStock)

The junior reported that after completing the hikes, she felt more invested in school and volunteered to go on more hikes, even though she was not in trouble.

Fellow student Soto added that the “rush” he would feel after breaking the rules was replaced with a new perspective and relaxation from hiking.

Health perks of walking outside

Beyond burning calories, recent research has supported the benefits of walking for improved brain health.

A new study from Mass General Brigham found that evensmall amounts of walkingcould slow down the brain changes that lead to Alzheimer’s.

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Daniel Amen, founder of Amen Clinics in California, shared that walking inducesblood flow to the brain.

Amen suggests “walking like you’re late,” which could entail 30 minutes of alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of fast walking.This concept has also been called “Japanese walking.”

teen girls walk together on a hike with friends

Walking induces blood flow to the brain and can help ward off Alzheimer’s disease, according to experts.(iStock)

“Do that five times for 30 minutes, and it increases blood flow to your brain,” he said.

Exposure to sunlightand fresh air has also been proven to boost the immune system and support overall health, according to Dr.Roger Seheult, a critical care physician, pulmonologist and associate clinical professor at the University of California and Loma Linda University schools of medicine.

innate immune systemfor up to seven days,” he said.

In addition to regulating sleep and boosting mood, certain spectra of light from the sun can have “dramatic effects” on the body’s metabolism, research has shown.

‘Respectful’ discipline

An Oregon family recently went viral for disciplining their child withphysical fitnessafter a young boy spoke back to his mother.

com/media/stepdads-unusual-discipline-sons-ok-chill-remark-sparks-viral-debate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">physical activity as punishmentteaches “emotional regulation” and offers a healthy outlet when a child is feeling overwhelmed.

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Educational psychologist and parenting expert Dr.Michele Borba reacted to the viral moment, noting that discipline is not one-size-fits-all.

two teen boys lead the pack while on a hike

It is important for discipline to be delivered in a way that is both responsible and respectful, a parenting expert said.(iStock)

com/category/health/healthy-living/childrens-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tailored to the child, as making a child do strenuous exercise that they are not comfortable with would be considered inappropriate.