The Health Benefits of Camping
All photos © Outdoorithm
Many are rediscovering the therapeutic allure of the great outdoors. While all time outside has some benefits, camping in particular offers meaningful opportunities for improved well-being in both the short- and long-term. Since it’s by nature at least an overnight activity, camping offers health benefits cannot be attained by a walk to the park or even a long day-hike (as much as we love those). At Outdoorithm, we're passionate about empowering urban families to unlock these benefits. Let's take a closer look at the myriad of health rewards a camping adventure can offer upon you and your family.
1. Better Sleep
Nestling under a blanket of stars, away from the city's glaring lights and noises offers a unique opportunity for sleep rejuvenation. The natural environment plays a vital role in recalibrating our circadian rhythms. Immersion in natural sunlight and dark cycles can lead to longer (i.e. the right amount) and higher quality sleep. This much needed rest allows both the body and the mind to recover from daily stressors, and ready to move into your new day.
2. Reduced Stress + Increased Mindfulness
Amidst nature's serene backdrop, the mind is able to relax. The gentle rustling of leaves, chirping birds, and the sound of water (you can hear it all now🍃) promote mindfulness, a state of active, open attention to the present. Away from our daily distractions, campers often find themselves more attuned to their surroundings, experiencing moments of clarity and deep reflection that are hard to come by in the busyness of life. You’ll emerge from the trip with a fresh perspective and a calmer mind.
3. Builds Resilience and Problem-Solving Skills
Nature, with its unpredictability, offers a masterclass in adaptability. Whether it's a change in weather, navigating unfamiliar terrains, or finding innovative solutions to camping challenges, outdoor adventures hone problem-solving skills. This exposure to unpredictable scenarios fosters a resilient mindset, preparing campers for life's various challenges. Even when everything goes perfectly, simply being in a new environment causes you to develop increased awareness and flex different mental muscles. This is especially acute in children as they explore the outdoors and start seeing the world and their place in it in a new light.
🏕️ For more tips on camping with kids, check out our blog posts on best Camping Activities for Kids and Camping Safety Tips for Kids. 🏕️
4. Digital Detox - Disconnect to Reconnect
Today's world is intertwined with technology. While its advantages are manifold, constant connectivity can be both mentally taxing and a distraction from connection with others. Disconnecting from technology allows us to find/make moments of genuine, undistracted connection. Camping provides incredible scaffolding for connection. Not only does it offer the perfect excuse to get away from incessant digital notifications, work emails, and the pull to consume news and videos, it provides us with opportunities to foster connections as together we set up camp, cook meals, and explore. These shared experiences help forge deeper bonds which reinforce each other as we engage in genuine conversations, shared laughter, and the creation of memories that often last a lifetime.
5. Built-In Physical Activity
Camping is synonymous with being active. Whether it's pitching a tent, hiking scenic trails, or gathering firewood, each task demands physical exertion. This involvement ensures that the heart pumps a little faster, muscles get a good stretch, and the body becomes more agile. Over time, such regular activities can enhance cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and overall physical stamina.
6. Improved Mood
Nature's vast expanse and vibrant hues have a profound effect on our mood. The sun, in particular, plays a vital role in regulating brain chemicals. As sunlight graces our skin, it prompts the brain to produce increased amounts of serotonin—a neurotransmitter responsible for uplifting mood, enhancing focus, and fostering a general sense of well-being.
7. Boosted Vitamin D Levels
Speaking of sunlight, its benefits are not limited to mood elevation. Direct exposure to sunlight helps our skin produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient. This "sunshine vitamin" is pivotal for maintaining bone health, regulating immune function, and even modulating mood. Regular camping trips can ensure a steady intake of this vital nutrient, especially if you normally spend much of your time indoors (but don’t forget your sunscreen!)
8. Enhanced Creativity
Nature has always been a muse for artists, writers, and thinkers. The tranquility of the outdoors, devoid of regular routines and work-related pressures, creates a conducive environment for innovative thinking. It's in these peaceful interludes that the mind can wander freely, conjuring up fresh ideas, solutions, and even artistic inspiration.
Camping is more than an outdoor excursion; it's an opportunity to tap into and nurture our physical, mental, and emotional well being. At Outdoorithm, our aim is to help you to camp more easily and more often so you can experience the rest, rootedness, and reconnection found in the outdoors. We provide planning tools and specific gear recommendations to help you get started, and a community where you can share stories, ask questions, and connect with others who are on this journey, too.
We’d love to hear from you! We’re still new and value your thoughts and feedback as we develop new tools and content. Email us at sally@outdoorithm.com. Happy Camping!
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