Ah, the great outdoors. Who doesn’t love the idea of kicking back, pitching a tent, roasting marshmallows over the fire for s’mores, and watching the sunset? While camping can, of course, vary in intensity, we can all agree that disconnecting for a little while can be beneficial to us all. What you didn’t know, though, was just how healthy camping can be for your mind and body. Here are Eight amazing things you probably didn’t know that camping could do for your health.
8. It Will Reset Your Sleeping Patterns
8. It Will Reset Your Sleeping Patterns
Believe it or not, folks, but it’s a proven fact that sleeping outdoors can help fully reset your sleep cycle. There is certainly something to be said about going to bed when it’s dark and waking up as soon as the sun comes up, and luckily, it’s easy to adjust to that when camping. So go catch some z’s!
7. You Will Breathe The Fresh Air!
7. You Will Breathe The Fresh Air!
Getting away from the smog and congestion of the city (or even the suburbs) can help you remember what real air is actually supposed to feel like! Getting away from the dust of the indoors and the car exhaust of the streets can only be good for those lungs. Take a deep breath and come back for more.
6. It’s Mood Lifting
6. It’s Mood Lifting
Studies have shown that being outside is a natural mood lifter! Getting some air and sun has statistically aided people suffering from illnesses and disabilities. That logic can easily be applied to everyone who gets stuck inside too much! Prepare to feel lighter than air.
5. It Will Strengthen Bonds
5. It Will Strengthen Bonds
Being forced to share a tent, latrine, campfire, or whatever else you thought to cram into your duffle bag… amazingly enough, can really help to strengthen bonds between friends, family, and colleagues. Figuring our problems together in close proximity will certainly assist relationships.
4. You’ll Get Some Exercise
4. You’ll Get Some Exercise
Let’s face it. You’re living outside. Whether it’s for a few days, a few weeks, or a few months, you will have to actually get from place to place by, you know, hiking. It takes real work to do anything camping related and your body will catch on pretty quickly.
3. It Will Make You Eat Healthier
3. It Will Make You Eat Healthier
Cooking for yourself will almost always be better for you than ordering takeout night after night, or worse yet, going out for drinks every day after work. When you make your own food, you tend to make better choices, and when you’re camping, those choices tend to be a lot fresher and healthier.
2. It Will Give You Some Stress Relief
2. It Will Give You Some Stress Relief
With the stresses and worries of the week behind you, it’s an incredible thing to just chill outdoors for a bit and let the cares roll away. Unplug for a bit! Take advantage of the opportunity to unclog your brain of all the mess work can put in your head.
1. It Gives You A Chance To Meditate
1. It Gives You A Chance To Meditate
What better time and place is there to reflect on what’s really important in life? There isn’t — you’re out in nature, communing with the Earth! Let that be a giant kick in the butt to let yourself not only relax, but also understand what matter to you the most. Getting away from distractions will certainly do that for you.
