Healing in Nature: 6 Shocking Health Benefits of Going Camping

camping spot with fire pit

Going camping is a great way to recharge.

The benefits of camping are plenty. Most of us are stuck in a neverending vortex of phones, computers, planes, trains, and automobiles. It can get claustrophobic if you don’t make an effort to disconnect from the technological world, at least once in a while.

There are incredible advantages to spending lots of time outdoors, both physical and mental. We may not always feel the necessity of getting outside and being active, but it’s a great help to your future self, if you do.

Here are 6 health benefits of going camping.

Stress Relief

One of the great benefits of being out in the wilderness is getting away from the everyday monotony of life in a city. We don’t realize it, but the hectic way of life in a city takes its toll on the psyche

Stress doesn’t always manifest itself in obvious ways. Putting yourself in a position to do some self-examination and decompressing can be hugely beneficial for when you go back to your job/family/life.

Anxiety/Depression Relief

Research has shown that being in green spaces can decrease your symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

The mental solitude of camping can allow for positivity and the feeling of being linked to the earth temporarily puts a lot of stirring mental health issues to rest.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is commonly lacking in people with depression. What is better than getting outside and hanging out with some friends in the sun? 

In addition to avoiding the SAD’s, vitamin D helps us absorb calcium and phosphorous, which makes our bones and teeth good and strong.

Exercise

Going on hikes and portaging are fun activities, but also incredible ways to keep fit. No matter what type of camping you’re doing, you’re out there getting much-needed exercise.

If you’re going on remote portaging trips, you’ll be off foraging for food and firewood, maybe fishing and hiking. All great sources of exercise.

Even if you’re out for a weekend trip with some friends, however, you’re still getting exercise from swimming and playing sports. Any exercise is positive!

Challenging Yourself

Being in the wilderness instead of your comfortable everyday life will present great new challenges and require your brain to think in a different way than you’re used to.

It’s great for your cognitive function to be faced with new challenges all the time. Your critical thinking skills will be pushed a little more whether you’re figuring out how to put a tent together or taking your canoe through some rapids.

Sites like these offer great camping gear at a low price.

Going Camping Is Being In Nature

As we’ve stated, just being out in nature is a positive thing for your body and mind, but it does have meditative qualities. Camping alone or with friends will constantly remind you that you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

The earth is a powerful being and we’re living off the land, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. It’s good to be able to disconnect from our phones and spend some time in the great outdoors.

Disconnect to Connect

These are merely a few of the positive health benefits of going camping. We promise if you commit to getting outside, you’ll notice all of the mental and physical improvements almost immediately.

For more posts on healthy eating and fitness, visit our blog.