By Cherry M. Roxas 

In today’s fast-paced world, work-related stress has become a common challenge for many. Long hours, deadlines, and daily responsibilities can take a toll on mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, nature offers a perfect escape—camping and hiking. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of work and immersing yourself in the great outdoors can do wonders for your mind and body. Whether it’s breathing in the fresh mountain air, feeling the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, outdoor adventures provide a much-needed reset.

For Ms. Maria Teresa Lusung, known to many as “Tet,” a Traffic Supervisor, hiking is a way to relieve stress, enhance well-being, and restore balance in her busy life.

In this article, Ma’am Tet shares her personal journey of discovering the power of nature, how hiking helps her unwind from the pressures of work, and why she believes stepping into the great outdoors is one of the best ways to recharge.

Let’s hear Ma’am Tet share her hiking experience:

“It all started with a simple invitation from my classmate in college, “Tara Akyat tayo sa Mt. Arayat?” At that time, I had never climbed a mountain before. The idea of trekking sounded exhausting, yet interesting. With a mix of excitement and hesitation, I said yes. On the day of the trek, I was excited because of the new experience, I packed everything I thought I needed—too much actually. Little did I know that this adventure would teach me valuable lessons about resilience, self-reliance, and personal growth.  

The first challenge was the uphill trail, first few steps were easy but as the trail became steeper, my legs ached, I started to sweat, and my breath quickened. The roots and rocks formed obstacles that demanded both strength and balance. My heavy backpack weighed me down, making every step an uphill battle. Carrying unnecessary weight slowed me down and made the journey more difficult. I struggled, stopping every few minutes to catch my breath and I asked myself why I even agreed to do this.  I encouraged myself to push forward and every time I wanted to give up, I looked up, found someone ahead of me, and reminded myself “If they can, I can! One step at a time and I can make it”  

When we reached the summit, my exhaustion melted away, replaced by peace as I took the breathtaking view. I looked around and saw beauty I had never noticed before. The best view truly comes after the hardest climb, the beautiful blue sky and the trees dancing with the wind. The fresh air made me calm. That’s when I fell in love with nature and at that moment, I knew that would not be my last trek.

I dared to conquer Mt. Pulag known as the “Playground of the Gods” enjoying the chilly air and the sea of clouds. One mountain led me to another Mt. Batulao, Mt. Ulap, and Mt. Pinatubo and each climb tested my limits, but I always remind myself “Huwag kang magmadali, enjoy mo lang ang pag-akyat at makakarating ka rin”.

Nature had a way of clearing my mind, one of my best stress relievers. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to take regular breaks from work and appreciate the simplicity of life. Every mountain became a new adventure, each trek a new story.  Standing at every peak, I realized each journey was more than a physical challenge. It was proof that I could push past my limits, and that persistence would always carry me through.”

The mountain had tested me, but I had conquered it – one step, one breath, and I made it!

Tet Lusung

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