Guest post by Pams Gibbson
Spending a weekend camping in the wilderness is the perfect way to get away from the stress of city life. Going on a hike through some lovely woods or harsh mountains and then camping out under the stars.
Countless people believe that visiting a far-flung location and staying in a luxurious hotel with all the trimmings is the pinnacle of holiday enjoyment. Nevertheless, those who value time spent in nature and camping would disagree, and science supports their position.
Camping and time spent in nature have numerous positive effects, including the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in a natural setting, the development of new skills, and the alleviation of stress and anxiety. Here are a few wonderful upsides to packing tents and sleeping bags and venturing into the wilderness for a few nights beneath the stars.
Journeying to Remote Areas
Amazing places, often hidden away, can be discovered in the unlikeliest places. A portable sleeping arrangement allows you to explore any area reachable by car or on foot in search of these hidden gems. You won’t have to fret over the hotel’s location or condition if you choose to tent nearby.
You also have more freedom to adjust the length of your stay as you see fit without worrying about losing money on refundable hotel deposits or inconveniencing hotel staff.
Sharing Time With Loved Ones
Camping’s ability to bring people closer together (both literally and metaphorically) through shared experiences is one of its greatest advantages. Reconnecting with loved ones is as easy as sharing a cup of coffee in the morning, playing a card or board game in the afternoon, going for a stroll, kicking the football around, or telling tales and conversing around a campfire.
Since everyone is in the same boat, you may relax and enjoy the ride. Everyone chips in and has their part in performing, which can help foster a sense of collaboration during camping trips.
Stillness and Tranquility
Turn off your electronic devices and take pleasure in the natural world. Recharging your batteries is preferable to charging your electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. You will feel revitalised and energised when you go back to work, and your body and mind will be grateful to you for it.
End the noise by turning off the television, the internet, and your email. You only need one phone that is charged and ready for use in case of an emergency, but the other phones should be stored away.
Increased Quality of Rest
The hormone melatonin plays an important role in regulating sleep and wake times. The blue light emitted by artificial sources like incandescent lamps can reduce melatonin production when locked in an office for long durations. A more normal sleep-wake rhythm can be attained through camping outdoors because of the exposure to melatonin-friendly yellow light that occurs around sunrise and sunset.
Quality of Air
A higher concentration of oxygen is taken in when one is in close proximity to a forest. When you open your tent and take a deep breath of fresh air at the campground, you may experience a brief surge of happiness. This is not all in your head, though; the increased oxygen levels trigger the release of serotonin. With enough oxygen in the blood, your body can do its work with less effort. Of course, that’s not the only perk of being outside in the open.
Spending time in nature has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, easing digestive issues, and bolstering the immune system. Spending time in nature has significant health benefits due to the increased oxygen and reduced pollution levels.
Regular Physical Activity
While the word “exercise” may conjure up ideas of a hard workout at the gym or a lengthy marathon, in reality, exercise is any activity that causes you to move around and raise your heart rate. Activities involved in camping range from pitching a tent and gathering firewood to exploring the landscape on foot and preparing meals.
Rough camping requires a substantial level of physical activity because you may have to fish or forage for meals and look for water. Physical activity is essential for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health, and doing so while camping is a bonus.
Bottom Line
It doesn’t matter what season it is; modern life may leave you feeling exhausted, anxious, and cut off from the people who should be closest to you. The medical, psychological, and social benefits of camping have been well documented. It’s as easy as it seems to solve the problem. One set of reasons to pack up your favorite people and go out into the wilderness is the positive effect camping may have on your health.