For some, camping in nature is a fun hobby. It’s just a way to spend time with loved ones, cook over an open flame, and get a bit of fresh air. For others, it’s more meaningful. It allows them to disconnect from the modern world, explore the unknown, or reconnect with nature. Regardless, everyone who participates gets some kind of benefit, including some that they might not expect.
The 7 Benefits of Camping in Nature
While the reasons for camping in nature vary, nearly everyone who does experiences a range of benefits, even if they don’t notice it. If you are wondering why camping outdoors is so amazing for you and your health, here’s what you need to know.
1. Unplugging
If you get far enough away from the nearest city or town, you can actually reach areas with no cell service. While that may sound scary to some, it’s actually an amazing opportunity. Since your devices won’t update, it encourages you to put them down.
Going screen-free for even a few days can be excellent for your well-being. It encourages you to be in the now, appreciate the world around you, and stop worrying about capturing every moment so you can “share” it. Plus, you might sleep better once you stop exposing yourself to the blue light from screens, and your neck might appreciate not being in the chin-down position.
2. Circadian Rhythm Reset
If you have trouble sleeping, camping in nature and away from artificial light might help, especially if you can skip an alarm clock, too. Instead, you can use the sun’s schedule as your cue, resetting your circadian rhythm. After as little as a week, you might find yourself falling asleep and waking at reasonable times with greater ease. Plus, you may feel less groggy in the morning, as well.
3. Mood-Boosting Color
There’s a reason they call cities concrete jungles. Often, you spend most of your days surrounded by gray. Roadways, sidewalks, buildings, and much more are typically some shade of gray. After a bit of time, the monochromatic looks gets dull, and it might even hurt your mood.
By camping in nature, you are giving yourself time away from all of that gray. Instead, you are making sure that natural colors are part of your day, such as green leaves, brown park, blue skies, golden sunsets, and flowers of all colors. This can be a great mood booster.
4. Calorie Burning
Even the most laidback camping adventure requires some effort. You have to pack and unpack your equipment, set up tends, gather wood for campfires, and more. Plus, if you spend time hiking while you’re out, you are being even more active.
Often, while a person is camping, they burn a decent number of calories. As a result, as long as you aren’t intentionally as sedentary as possible or aim to chronically overeat, your trip can be very healthy.
5. Fresher Air
The further you get from urban or industrial areas, the cleaner the end tends to be. While where you end up camping might not be totally without air pollution, the number of harmful particles in the air tends to be smaller. This can be a great break for your lungs and whole cardiovascular system.
Plus, plants like trees release oxygen into the environment. As a result, you might be around more oxygen that you usually are, and that might leave you feeling energized or happier.
6. Relationship Building
Unless you camp solo, camping in nature gives you a chance to focus on your relationships. Without the distractions of modern life, you can spend more quality time together. By having fun as a group and enjoying a unique experience, you might discover that your bond grows more quickly. Plus, you can genuinely focus on one another, giving you a chance to learn more about each other’s lives and to become closer as a result.
7. Sunshiny Days
Sunshine doesn’t just feel amazing on your skin; it can also improve your health. Sunlight helps in the creation of vitamin D, which supports the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
While you don’t want to spend too much time basking in the sunshine unprotected (as you’ll increase your risk of sunburn and, potentially, cancer), getting about 10 to 15 minutes each day before slathering on the sunscreen can make sure your vitamin D production is where it needs to be.
How Far Do You Have to Go to Be Camping in Nature
When people think about camping, they usually envision being outdoors. However, does that mean every time a person camps outside that they are actually “in nature?” Well, that depends.
For some, it doesn’t qualify in their minds unless they feel surrounded by the natural world and away from modern life. As a result, simply putting up a tent and sleeping in the backyard isn’t enough. Instead, they need to head away from the city or suburbs, ensuring they are separated from modern amenities and can fully disconnect.
However, that doesn’t mean that private property can’t be enough. It all depends on how you view it and what you have available. So, if you can’t get away to a national park, don’t sweat it. Your backyard might do the job, particularly if it can serve as a place to have fun and spend time outdoors. Just do what you can to mimic the full experience, such as making your yard a device-free zone while you are camping. That way, you can enjoy as many benefits as possible.
