Everyone knows that camping is fun. Not only do you get to spend some time in nature in the fresh air, but you also get to spend some quality time with your loved ones.
However, did you know that camping brings many other benefits to you as well? It can certainly help you with your psychological health, and a weekend of camping can really let you relax and rest.
So, let’s take a look at all the psychological benefits of fun camping.
It Improves Your Vitamin D Levels
Many of us tend to spend a lot of time closed up in the house or office working and staring at blue screens. That certainly does our body no good. What our bodies need in order to be stronger and healthier is vitamin D which we can naturally get from sunlight.
That is why going camping is a great idea since it exposes you to the sun and fills your body with much-needed vitamin D. This vitamin is really important if you want to lower your risk of cancer, heart attack, osteoporosis and fight depression.
Related: Natural Treatments for Depression
If you are suffering from depression or simply low energy and bad mood, you can write in your journal how you feel each day of camping and you will have proof that you really needed that vitamin D.
It Helps You Sleep Better
If you suffer from insomnia or you’re simply sleep-deprived, then camping will certainly help you solve those problems. Camping actually resets your biological clock and it can help you fall asleep easier or it will make waking up a piece of cake.
The key thing here is not being exposed to artificial light for a few days! So, by being outside you will expose your body to the natural light-dark cycle and it will help with your biological clock.
Related: Mindfulness: Tips & Tricks That Will Help You Fall Asleep Faster
Plus, you will manage to get enough adequate sleep and your body and mind will be ready for the upcoming work and tasks during next week after camping!
It Gives You the Exercise You Need
Since you probably sit a lot or maybe don’t have enough time for some exercises, then go camping! Spending time outside means less time spent in front of a TV or computer and you will move your body more.
There is plenty of walking to do in nature, you will have to pitch your tent, do some cooking, maybe go fishing, swimming or hiking. The only thing to consider is to have all the gear you need and to bring your best boots for hiking in order to feel comfortable and safe.
And if you do all those exercises that you’re not even going to think of as exercises your body will produce more hormones for happiness and make you feel much better mentally.
The Forest Relieves Stress
Japanese people have a practice called “Forest Bathing”. This practice means spending time in the woods for the sake of your mental health. Plants and trees actually produce one natural compound called phytoncide which is believed to help with the protection and strengthening of your immune system.
What is more, if you spend at least 30 minutes in nature daily, you can significantly reduce your blood pressure and cortisol, which really improves the health of your body. Additionally, by relaxing in nature while camping your mind will destress, your worrying thoughts are going to disappear and you will finally manage to put stress aside and enjoy the moment.
It Lets You Enjoy Food
While camping is not great for a strict diet, you will manage to get some valuable nutrients from it. You can really bring your own food, but if you like fishing, why not catch your own food and get the best out of it.
Also, you can even bring only fruits and veggies on this camping trip, or if you know your way around the forest and edible plants, rely on them to provide you with a meal.
On the other hand, if you would like to give in to your guilty pleasure foods, you should bring s’mores and hot cocoa and enjoy some delicious snacks with your loved ones.
You Get to Unplug
The amount of technology that surrounds us sometimes scary. We are constantly on our phones and computers and all the devices are buzzing with notifications all day. If you’re sick and tired of those, then camping will help you unplug.
Since you will be in the woods, there’s a chance the signal will be bad, so your phone won’t constantly be ringing. If the signal is strong, then all you have to do is turn it off or put it on airplane mode and enjoy some peace and quiet from all that constant buzzing.
On the other hand, if you do need to take a look at the phone from time to time, schedule your daily check-ins and take care of that email for half an hour. The rest of the day should be devoted to nature and calming your body and mind.
You probably already know that nature is great for your mental health. But, if you needed a little push to go outside and unwind, plan a camping trip with your friends and family. After only a day spent in nature, you will notice how much better you’ll feel. So, consider going camping frequently and for a longer time.
Author Bio: Ian Lewis is a father, writer, and a fitness nut. He’s passionate about many forms of strength training and spent years lifting all kinds of heavy objects.
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