Nat Sauteed
People often go camping for discoveries, or simply to relax and have a good time with friends or family. But they don’t realize that camping regularly can improve their health.
Here are five reasons why camping can lead you to a healthier life:
Fresh Air
Kids these days are spending less time outdoors, even those living in rural areas, according to research. What’s the reason? They are glued to their screens. Spending time outdoors has major health benefits to both the young and old. These include better immunity, lower blood pressure, and enhanced digestion. Numerous studies have shown that indoor air tends to be more dangerous than outdoor air. People who live in the cities spend most of their time indoors, which significantly increases their risk of respiratory issues, among others. Campsites are free from air pollution. These are among the few places that you can breathe fresh air, which isn’t just good for your body but also for your mental health. Camping is certainly the best way to enjoy the outside world. But nature is unpredictable so it is important to secure yourself from unexpected situations. To protect your tent against strong winds, rain, and sunlight, it’s advisable to bring waterproof tarps, along with other camping gears.
Physical Activity
According to the WHO, the lack of physical activity is the leading cause of disease and disability. About 36% of the US population does not engage in any leisure-time physical activity. Exercise is one obvious benefits of camping. There are just so many fun things to do in the great outdoors. With poor (to no) internet signal and fewer distractions, you can engage in activities that will keep you moving, from fishing and sailing to hiking, trekking, and mountain climbing. Camping is an enjoyable way to burn excess calories. For instance, you can burn anywhere from 120 to 300 calories in an hour of hiking. Physical activity has incredible benefits for your health. It lowers your risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. It also improves your mental health by stimulating the release of serotonin – the feel-good chemicals in the brain.
Healthy Food
What’s camping without s’mores and hotdogs? Okay. These aren’t healthy. But camping is also a great way to indulge in some real food like fish and meat, which you can get for free when you fish or hunt (of course, you must follow fishing and hunting guidelines in the campsite). Nature tripping is even more enjoyable when you have fresh produce to fill your hungry tummies, such as fruits, some vegetable salad, nuts, and protein-filled snacks. Be sure to bring portable outdoor cookware so you can prepare healthy meals right in your camp. It’s fun and ensures that you and your friends or family get to savor good food.
Quality Sleep
All you need is some warm, comfortable sleeping bag to experience the best sleep ever! The stillness of the night, the fresh air, and some good books – you are surely going to doze off easily. Here’s the even better news – the benefits of camping to your sleep quality does not end there. All the good things camping does to your body – lower blood pressure, improved mood, and less stress – they all lead to improved sleep. Yes, even when you’re back in your bedroom.
Less Stress
Camping is a stress-relieving activity. With so many responsibilities at home or during work, it can be difficult for many of us to find time to relax and unplug. Research shows that anxiety is the most common illness in the US, affecting 40 million people or 18% of the population, each year. There are many ways camping help alleviate stress. Appreciating nature promotes relaxation. Simply looking at the river, trees, birds, and other natural details are already relaxing. Add the fresh air, the fun adventures, and an experience that’s so different from your usual day-to-day life. It’s no secret that when we engage in recreational activities such as camping, we feel good instantly. It boosts the production of the “happy hormone” in our brain, which alleviates symptoms of stress. Camping is also an excellent way to practice mindfulness, which is the key to a happier and less stressful life.
Camping is certainly a way to relax, discover the best things nature has to offer and escape from the hustle and bustle of our stressful lives. It is also a good time to spend with family and friends. More importantly, camping helps keep your health in check. The fresh air that boosts our immunity, the physical activity that does amazing things to our mind and body, the power it has to promote good sleep and to lessen our stress levels. There’s every reason to pack your camping bag and head to the great outdoors!
