Whether you enjoy biking, hunting or any other outdoor activities, camping offers you a way to focus completely on a hobby for a few days without external distractions.
When you’re spending time at home in your usual routine, you may not realize just how much you’re missing away from nature. When was the last time you slept late without an alarm clock to wake you up? When you’re camping, the only alarm clocks you have are the sun and the chirping of birds. Waking up with nature rather than an alarm clock is an experience everyone should have regularly.
What you might not realize is that camping can also help you live a longer, healthier life. Here are are just a few reasons to ditch it all for a few days and go camping.
1. Reduced Stress
When you’re camping, there’s no place to be at a certain time, nothing is interrupting you or competing for your attention. You are typically away from work pressure, traffic and the rush of city life.
All these are replaced by the calming effect of bird song, the sound of waves crashing on the beach and the wind in the trees which are much more much more therapeutic than anything you’ll find on your MP3.
The natural outcome of this type of setting is stress reduction and relaxation like you can’t find anywhere else. The lack of stress is related to the rise in oxygen levels, higher levels of serotonin and managed levels of melatonin.
Researchers found that walking for few minutes in nature can reduce depressive symptoms, which is common in people who live in the cities. [mfn] https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/eco.2014.0027 [/mfn] In addition, another research found that spending time outdoors can help reduce rumination, which is the obsessive, negative thinking that could potentially lead to mental health issues. [mfn] https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/06/23/1510459112 [/mfn]
2. Fresh Air
You may not be aware how scarce fresh air is in your day to day life. When you go camping, you get the wondrous scents of the outdoors, as well as the smell of a delicious dinner cooking over an open fire.
3. Strengthens Relationships
When you go camping with friends or family, you get a chance to converse without the interference of modern devices like smartphones and tablets, even late into the night.
Through this setup, everyone is able to communicate more directly and give and receive eye contact. Moreover, having to depend on each other to prepare food and look after your campsite builds camaraderie, a sense of community and shared purpose that adds to your well-being.
4. Inspires A Sense of Awe
As human beings, we are meant to wonder and feel compelled to stop and soak up the sunset or gaze up at the stars — and there’s no better place to do that than camping in the boondocks. Research even suggests that awe-inspiring or breathtaking moments can make us happier and more imaginative. [mfn] http://emotion.caltech.edu/dropbox/bi133/files/keltner.approaching-awe.pdf [/mfn]
5. Promotes Autonomy and Adventure
Camping encourages freedom to find our own adventures without limits. This sense of freedom is rarely found in our daily lives, whether through work pressure or household chores.
Thus, sleeping outside under the stars in a very quiet night is like pressing the reset button; we become more present to what is around us while our thoughts being pulled away from the strains of modern life.
6. Improves Memory
When you’re out camping and surrounded by trees and fresh air, your body releases higher levels of serotonin, a naturally-produced neurotransmitter that helps regulate your mood, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin also improves cognitive functions such as memory and learning.
7. A Good Night’s Sleep
Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps control our sleep-wake cycle. Working in an office for long periods under an artificial light source such as incandescent bulbs may significantly lower your melatonin levels.
In the contrary, camping outside exposes you to natural melatonin–friendly yellow light during sunrise and sunset, which can help you achieve a more balanced sleep-wake cycle.
According to a 2013 study, the more you abide by the sun’s schedule the more likely you are to go to bed and wake up at a reasonable time. Researchers examined campers for a week and found that sleeping away from artificial light helped reset their circadian rhythms or internal body clocks and made them less groggy. [mfn] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264299 [/mfn]
8. Good Food
Food just tastes better when prepared outdoors. There’s something about cooking food over a campfire or a campsite grill that just can’t be replicated by home-cooked meal. Besides, nothing beats s’mores [mfn] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%27more [/mfn] made over an open fire. Also, if you’re fond of eating roasted fish, vegetables and other meat products, you would likely consume a large amount of protein and healthy fats on your camping trip.
9. Boosts Vitamin D
Sunshine is great for your skin. A huge amount of it is being absorbed by your body while being outdoors. Physically, it provides a healthful glow while internally, the body uses it to absorb calcium and phosphorus – two essential minerals promoting healthy bones and teeth.
10. Physical Fitness
At home, we often have sedentary lifestyle but when you are camping, you can not help but to engage in physical activities and get your heart rate up. Either by setting up a tent, gathering firewood or going for a hike, you are burning more calories than you would burn sitting around your office. It significantly helps to keep you r heart and lungs healthy.
Surely, your activity levels will vary, but hikers burn anywhere from 120-300 calories per hour. Bikers burn 300-500 calories per hour, and fly fishing can burn up to 200 calories per hour. No wonder you work up such an appetite during a long camping trip. [mfn] https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/how-many-calories-do-i-burn-backpacking [/mfn]
11. Digital Detox
Camping is a great way for everyone to totally unplug and get away from their screens, sometimes you just need to shut off cyberspace and connect to some green space. In the great outdoors, you don’t find computers, tablets or televisions and there’s so much else to do that does not require electronics.
Ditching your digital screens can have a significant impact on your well-being. Research suggests that excessive use of these gadgets may lead to increased feelings of anxiety, low self esteem and poor sleep. [mfn] https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/cyber.2012.0125 [/mfn] [mfn] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886915000847 [/mfn] Even worse, it begins to rewire our brains to make us less adept at real connection.
Camping gives you the opportunity to think away from screen full of distractions so you can return to reality with a clear mind — and that alone is priceless.
12. New Challenges
No two camping trips are exactly the same, and that’s a good thing. New experiences help to keep brains healthy. Activities that are both physically and intellectually stimulating have the greatest effect on brain health, and camping fits both of these criteria. [mfn] https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-improve-your-memory.htm [/mfn] [mfn] https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-how-to-keep-your-brain-healthy-as-you-age [/mfn]
13. Meditation
When you’re camping, you get a chance to get in touch with nature, encounter wildlife and see the stars away from the bright lights of the big city. Also, don’t forget to turn off your cell phone. Leave the tablet and the laptop computer at home. Try to disconnect for a few days and enjoy the simplicity of the natural experience. This is one of the simplest ways to get the health benefits of meditation.
The Mayo Clinic suggests that meditation may improve a number of serious medical conditions by increasing self awareness and giving a person stress-reduction tools. [mfn] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858 [/mfn]
Don’t forget to commit to the experience. If your phone is off, you are one way towards developing a stimulating, tranquil hobby that will keep you healthy for years to come.
14. Connection To Nature
When you’re camping, you get a chance to get in touch with nature, encounter wildlife and see the stars away from the bright lights of the big city. There’s nothing quite like it. Make sure you and your family have the chance to connect with nature when you explore the many benefits of camping.
15. Development of New Skills
Surely, you will develop new skills while camping. Everyone on the trip will contribute and it is indeed a great chance to learn new things. You may learn how to set up tents, tie knots, start fires, cook a new meal and more. These skills are important to have, and yet we don’t often get a chance to develop them during the course of our regular busy schedules.
16. Great Time For Kids
For kids, time spent camping is time spent learning, which is one of the reasons scouting programs are so valuable. They facilitate camping experiences that are built around kids learning new things, including fishing, cooking, hiking, tying knots, fire-starting, safety, first aid and much more.
Furthermore, it is important for children to gradually become more independent and confident in their own capabilities. Camping allows them to learn independence in a safe and controlled environment. Children become more confident as they learn new things and have first-time experiences.
Camping is beneficial for children and their families because it can help strengthen bonds between family members. You will all return home feeling much stronger as a group.
Author’s Notes
Winter season is quite an extraordinary season especially when you are staying in a tropical country or somewhere in the Middle East just like me. It is a MUST for us to spend some time outdoors to breath fresh air and enjoy this season as we can only experience it for few months every year, as you know, summer climate here is excruciating. We love to go in groups during the weekends and long holidays and we usually build our camps further away from the city somewhere near the mountains or secluded beach areas.
Camping is our way to reconnect with nature and have a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is also our mode to unplug and detoxify ourselves from all the tension we have acquired from our everyday responsibilities. I am truly hoping that this generation, especially the younger ones, despite the progressive technological development, will be aware of the benefits this activity can provide not only to our health but also to our skills and values. May they continue to explore and make wonderful memories through a day in the lap of nature.
Resources:
1. https://www.eurekacamping.com/blog/article/10-health-benefits-camping
2. https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2019/12/seven-health-benefits-of-camping/
3. https://koa.com/blog/the-benefits-of-camping-why-camping-is-good-for-you/
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264299
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264299
14 Surprising Health Benefits of Knitting And Crocheting
Major Health And Fitness Benefits of Strength Training
Exercise During Period: Benefits, Tips and Things to Avoid
Health Benefits of Piercings
8 Health Benefits of A Daily 30-Minute Exercise
Jealousy can be a problem, much like its related counterpart, envy. And far too often, it is completely unfounded.
Jealousy certainly has a way of eating away at you. I do my best to be aware of my emotions and to keep them in check!
Agree jealousy is not good at all. And sometimes we find it difficult to control. Very helpful suggestions.
I think it is so important to just be grateful for what and who you have, and who you are… I’m watching jealousy in a relationship one of our family members has now and it really isn’t pretty.
Jealousy is awful. I used to have this bad affliction. This article is really useful for people like me.
Jealously is such a negative emotion! It mostly comes out of comparison. We need to let go of comparison for sure to get mental peace.
Jealousy is a horrible feeling to not only have, but to have directed at you. Great tips!
You hit the nail in the head! On point and so helpful, thanks for sharing about it 🙂
Girl. You are ON POINT. I have done so much reflection in the past few weeks and I have been making so many positive choices to improve my mental and physical health. Awesome post!
You make some great points, especially about regrets, thats a hard one to shake!
I love this list. There are so many things on here that I need to work on. We humans are prone to holding on to negative things.
Letting go is one of the best ways we have to move forward. When we hold on to the past, it only weighs us down.
These are all great things to consider. It is good to let things go but to also not allow toxic people in your life!
Love the tip of not always beings so serious as life is serious as it is. Got to learn that for myself this year. Thanks you!
It sounds like you’re really getting after it this year. I love the plan you have in place. I think anyone could benefit from approaching things like that, actually.
I am in my early 20s and could really benefit from better management of my money! I quite enjoyed reading this post. You have covered a good range of important areas.
At the end of 2020, I wrote down all the things that wanted to let go of on a piece of paper and burned it. It was such a freeing experience for me (I do it every year)!
The Need To Be In Control of Everything is something that we should let go. Also, broken promises! We should be true to our words all the time.
For me, maybe more organized with my finances. Also, be more organized in my life. More checklist and goal setting definitely! I will also save more!
Doing things that remind you that you are special and worthy can help you move toward letting go of your partner and stepping away from the bad relationship
These are all things that I have been working on when stuck home during the pandemic. Sounds like a lot of great goals and I will be sure to focus on these in 2021.
I definitely need to set more time aside for self-care in 2021 than I have in the past. It’s so important!
Loving this post! Really aligns with the flow that I’m embracing this new year!
Blaming others for your mistakes are not really good. You are on point. Really great tips for 2021.
I haven’t camped in about 20 years, mainly because my two teenage girls want the luxuries of a resort. What can I do to change their minds?
These are some really good goals and I plan to implement them this year.
Last year, I couldn’t strike off most of my goals but, hopefully, this year I might do it. I loved your list of goals and I have made my own resolutions for 2021.
Nature is one of the best health boosts we can give ourselves. I’ve always felt so good and so energized when I’ve gotten out and enjoyed the beauty of our natural world.
Those are some great tips to keep in mind and definitely need to start investing on myself and my future more. Need to write done some notes and goals asap!
Tackling new challenges and experiences can keep our brains healthy, as they force us to think for ourselves. Better yet, they can enhance self-confidence, growth, and happiness, too
I love camping! I can’t wait to be able to go again later this year, when things warm up (I’m not a winter camper, just in the warmer weather).
You don’t need to convince me about camping I am a Huge fan. But those are good reason will show them to my gf lol she might want to come next time
I love camping because it gives fresh air. It also reduces stress for me. It’s really calming for me.
I love to go camping with my family and friends. It might be a little cold right now, but I need to schedule a camping trip soon.
I used to do camping a lot before the pandemic. I miss camping so much. I can attest to all the benefits of camping mentioned here.
Congrats Dianne! Living on a budget is the ultimate full-time traveler resolution. And we also break it all the time, but is always good to have a plan to be flexible on and measure your daily life around it. This are really good and realistic resolutions, will take some ideas from them for sure!
This is so true! Most of the deepest moments I´ve had with the people I love have been during a camping trip. Although number 7 is not always true because Ive also had really though nights depending on the ground and weather (Always breing the right gear for this trips).
Oh wow! Saraya Island is so beautiful! I’m not much of a camper, but I would defininitely make an exception for those views!
I would love to enjoy the great outdoors there! My family loves to camp, and we’ve never camped anywhere as beautiful as Saraya Island.
I simply cannot believe how beautiful Saraya Island is. That would be an amazing camping experience to be right there on the water.
I can just imagine starting the day with a sunset over the water and ending it with a beautiful sunset. Beautiful place.
Saraya island seems like a wonderful place to visit. I’ve never slept in a tent close to the ocean and I know I’d relish the opportunity.
Me and my family love camping and hoping to do it more {when we can!}. But these places look amazing to pitch your tent! I will have to look into it more. Thanks for sharing!
I would be delighted to go camping in this specific spot. It looks so beautiful and would love to see some camels.
well, I never thought about Saraya Island as a Camping Spot. But now I see, why not…
This is the first time I heard about Saraya Island. It looks amazing! I can’t wait to go here after the pandemic.
I need a beach now. I would love to wake up to the sound of the ocean!
What a great post! This spot looks lovely and I’d love to go camping again here in the UAE. The drive to RAK from Abu Dhabi is beautiful as well!
This looks like a lot of steps to go through but when I read through them, this all makes sense. It’s a great idea to start with an online lecture, this must help a lot as you already know a lot by the time you first sit in the car behind the wheel.
Oh wow. They really have a high standard for getting a drivers license over there. When I got my license, I just had to take a brief written test and one driving test.
Good information. In fact those who are relocating to UAE, they will find your post very helpful.
We’re trying to visit Dubai next year for a few weeks so having a license will come in handy! Thank you for laying out the process so simply!
Good advice to take the test seriously. My son is talking about getting his license over here.
Congratulations!
I am about to turn 43 and I still dont have my drivers licenses. But maybe that’s a good thing, I still have not driven a machine that I have not crashed 😛
Congratulations on getting your driver’s license. It sounds like its a very thorough test and your steps are very helpful to those getting ready for it.
I am always looking for a good vitamin or supplement I can take that is safe and effective. I love how this one in particular boosts energy and relieves stress. Thanks for the recommendation. Christine Weis
It is good to have a daily routine with vitamins. These sound like a good option for incorporating into a daily diet. Such an important thing as we age!
I tend to take vitamins for a few weeks then give up on them because I don’t notice any difference! Love that you’ve been taking this one for a while now and have seen that it’s beneficial to you.
Congratulations on passing your driver’s license on the first time me it took at least 3 times, I am a bad driver haha…
A good multivitamin is so important, especially these days when our immune systems are most at risk. I plan to keep this brand in mind.
I wonder if this brand is available here in the US. I have been taking a multi-vitamin on a regular basis for a while now, and I can say that I feel that it has benefited me, for sure – blessings!
Thats a good review. Multi vitamin tablets are needed very much these days to enhance immunity, good for skin and hair too. Good recommendations
These sound like great multivitamins. I love that it helps to boost your energy.
Firstly, Congratulations for getting your driver’s license. And these are really great tips for people who want to pass the exam to get driver’s license.
I’m so glad you found a multivitamin that works for you! That’s awesome! Thank you for sharing your review with us 🙂
Vitamins and supplements are important to take if your diet is lacking. Its good to have your requirements met.
There seems to be a whole range of vitamins to take these days. So a review like this is helpful x
Yyyeessssss! This is right on time! We need all the vitamins we can get!
this is a very helpful guide to those who want to get license as well. and by the way, congratulations to you! keep safe all the time.
My mom and my sisters and even my friends are using this product and it lives a good result on their skin.
I am no expert but it does look like a great cream. Thanks for sharing will see if I can order some for my girlfriend.
I always love a good cream. Thanks for the thorough review.
Whirlwind of Surprises
Skin care is so important. This sounds like a nice cream.
Aaahhhhhhh…alright then! If you say so. I’ll give it a try.
I think I saw this displayed on some stores in the Philippines. But yes skin care is very important for everyone and if it does not irritate your skin then thats a great product right there.
Enervon is no doubt good as it is indicated for the treatment of vitamin-B complex deficiencies and vitamin C deficiencies.
Skin care is important. Olay is one of my favorite brand for skin care. I already used it since long time ago.
It’s wonderful to find something to help lighten spots. I wouldn’t mind trying this facial cream.
This looks like a great cream. I liked your thorough review of the skincare product. Thanks
God stuff. I hope there is a distinction between brightening dark spots and skin bleaching. Or is that the same?
Social media does have pros and cons. If it went away, I honestly wouldn’t miss it, but I use it as much as anyone.
With the current political climate I decided I needed to limit my social media to work only. It’s definitely helped my mood.
I think that everything in moderation is safe. But I have notice wedge greatening between friends and family do to social media.
Anything used in moderation can be a good thing, including social media. But if you go overboard, you get depressed, isolated, lonely and maybe even cyber bullied.
It’s a fine line to walk on.
Distraction is a big one for me… I have left social media for long spans of time because I saw how it was affecting my distraction levels at work and studies.
At this time of social distancing and isolation, social media can be an invaluable tool for keeping you in touch with friends, loved ones, and the wider world. But be mindful of how it makes you feel. If spending time on social media exacerbates your stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, take steps to limit your engagement
I highly agree on this part, “Social media can cut into time you might otherwise be spending outdoors or exercising.” It is beginning to affect me, of late!
I highly agree on this part, “Social media can cut into time you might otherwise be spending outdoors or exercising.” It is beginning to affect me, of late!
Hi Dianne, I reduced my time and found a big difference. I have not posted or been on personally for a month on FB or Instagram. I’m working on writing more and commenting here and there around the web and getting to know people.
This was a very interesting article. Your finished objects are lovely and you have put colors together beautifully. Are you from the Philippines? I lived there when I was young. The Lord God made some absolutely stunning beauty in that country, everything from the people to the landscape.
Camping is a great way to create bonds with our loved ones and strengthen our relationships. I agree with all these other benefits.