People go camping for different reasons: to be with nature, to go sightseeing, hiking, biking, etc. It’s also a budget-friendly way to spend a vacation with friends or family. But what people don’t give much thought about is how camping is beneficial for a person’s health and well-being.
If you’re not much of a camper, you might want to read on. There are many reasons to go camping, but here are 7 health reasons you should:
#1 The fresh air is good for your respiratory system.
Vacations in the city include air pollution and probably a lot of noise. On the other hand, when you go camping, you’re most likely away from that hustle and bustle. You are most likely going to be surrounded by nature, where the air is fresher and probably contains more oxygen and less of other unhealthy gasses. So take a deep breath and make your lungs happy.
#2 Promotes exercise that’s good for your cardiovascular and muscular health
Being outdoors, you have more opportunities for exercise by hiking, swimming, climbing, and more. These different outdoor activities will allow you to burn more calories without being too conscious about it. It’s also a more fun exercise because you focus on enjoying instead of exercising.
#3 Reduces stress levels
Going camping is one way of withdrawing yourself from daily stresses. Sitting in front of a lake or reading a book under a tree is a great way to relieve stress.
Being surrounded by nature is also a great mood booster. Sometimes, we stress ourselves with what we see on our screen. When you go camping, you may be forced to ditch social media even if it’s just a day.
You may initially think that it’ll suck. However, when you allow yourself to ditch the screen, you’ll later realize that it was actually a good thing. Avoid emails, social media, and other unnecessary stress and allow your mind to unplug. Plus, you might find the inspiration you need when you stop looking at a screen.
#4 The sunlight promotes stronger bones
The sunshine is good not just for getting a tan, but also for giving your body Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, which strengthens bones. However, make sure you are not under harsh sunlight. Apply sunblock to block UV rays.
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Camping offers bonding opportunities for families and friends thereby strengthening relationships. You get to socialize without distractions. Even if you go alone, you are probably going to meet friendly people along the way.
There’s also something about camping that turns strangers into friends. Around a campfire, you get to sing songs, share stories, and overall, it’s a happy atmosphere.
#6 You eat healthier food.
When you go camping, you’re most likely going to cook with camping grill and stove over a campfire. Though it limits your meal options, it also means your ingredients contain fewer preservatives and unnatural ingredients.
When you go camping, you tend to be more intentional about your food. You’ll be thinking more of what will be good for you while you’re outdoors than what you actually like. You’ll have a survival mindset, so you’re most likely going to choose nuts and fruits over candy and other junk.
#7 Camping allows for better sleep
Considering you have the right gear, you’re going to get really good quality sleep outdoors. Otherwise, it might be uncomfortable, cold, and you’ll wake up with pains. But let’s say you have all the right stuff.
After a day filled with activities, fresh air, relaxation and the sun, falling asleep will be easy. When you unplug yourself from the outside world, you will not have the distraction that will keep you up. You’ll wake up feeling glad because you were able to catch a lot of much-needed sleep.
Bottom Line
I don’t know about you, the campers I’ve met are some of the healthiest people I know. They are physically fit, mentally chill, and overall happy people. The outdoors has that effect on people.
The health benefits may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of camping, but your well-being will be glad anyway.
Disclaimer: All images are provided by the author.
About Author:
Warren Kuhn is an outdoor and camping enthusiast, always out to seek for the thrill and adrenaline that only nature gives. He even took up survival training to prepare him for the worst-case scenarios while outdoors. With his background, you can learn a lot from him so you can get the most out of your camping trip at TheCampingTrips.
