10 Benefits of Camping that Will Make You Want to Grab Your Tent
If you’re looking to learn more about the health benefits of camping, you’ve come to the right place! Camping gives you an opportunity to get back to nature, sleep under the stars, and enjoy the great outdoors—all while being surrounded by some of your best friends or family members (depending on whether you camp alone or not). Some would argue that there are plenty of health benefits of camping, including stress relief, improved cardiovascular health, and even weight loss; but we’ve found ten that seem to top the list every time!
1) Being outdoors is good for your mental health
Whether you are hiking, climbing or just spending time in nature, there is something about being outdoors that can ease your mind. For people with depression and anxiety, being surrounded by trees and natural landscapes can help them clear their minds. And for those who have trouble sleeping, it’s hard to sleep better when you are surrounded by a concrete jungle. Studies have shown that even looking at pictures of nature can reduce stress levels and make us feel calmer.
2) Get off the grid
The most obvious benefit of camping is that it’s a way to get away from technology. For those who are especially attached (or addicted) to their devices, camping can be an essential escape from smartphones and work emails. It’s also a great way for families to connect with each other. We are spending more time indoors than ever before—hiding from our kids and avoiding conversations with our significant others by staring at a screen.
3) Challenge yourself to go further
Many people hike and camp in beautiful places close to home, which is great. But expanding your horizons—especially if you’re not used to spending time outdoors—can be good for your body and soul. If you have a chance, visit an area of natural beauty farther from home or spend more time in nature; it may reawaken your creativity and energy levels! Try camping, backpacking, or even rafting for a fun physical challenge.
4) Building relationships with people you love
Outdoor adventures help you spend quality time with friends and family. Some of my favorite memories have been made while camping, hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking with my friends and family. Bring a friend along or meet new people on your next outdoor adventure. The benefits are endless! In addition to making some amazing memories, spending time outdoors can improve your physical health and mental well-being. boosts our moods by increasing serotonin production in our brains.
5) Dealing with nature’s challenges boosts your self-confidence
A night spent shivering in a wind-whipped tent while your clothes dry on a single clothesline and a sudden, unexpected downpour floods your campsite is all it takes to remind you how resilient you are. When camping with children, it’s especially important for parents to teach their kids that they can successfully cope with nature’s challenges. Being capable of living off what you carry in your backpack is an amazing feeling and one worth carrying over into your daily life.
6) Deepen your appreciation of Mother Nature
Whether you’re trekking through a mountainous region or hiking on an island, being outdoors makes us more aware of our surroundings. This can lead to deeper appreciation for Mother Nature and all she has given us. Even if you live in an urban environment, escaping into nature for part of your day is beneficial for both your body and mind.
7) Come home feeling refreshed
Camping provides a break from everyday life. Whether you go alone or with friends, camping is a form of recreation and relaxation that can help reduce stress and leave you feeling refreshed when you get home. And there’s nothing like spending time in nature to make you feel connected and alive!
8) Exercise is easier outside
Imagine hiking up a mountain with a 40-pound backpack on your back. It’s not easy, right? Now imagine hiking up a mountain with that same 40-pound backpack on your back while carrying a 10-pound rock in each hand. It’s still not easy, but it’s definitely easier. That’s because lifting weights or doing other exercises indoors involves more core support muscles, which just aren’t as active when you work out outside.
9) Reduce your carbon footprint
A growing number of people are switching to green transportation, either because they care about being green or because gas prices have hit an all-time high. Either way, if you don’t want your kids breathing in more greenhouse gases than necessary and you don’t want to pay $4 a gallon for gas, then camping is an excellent option for reducing your carbon footprint.
10) Having an Outdoors lifestyle can save you money
A major perk of camping is it can save you money. There’s no need for a gym membership, you can exercise out in nature and there are endless activities you can do with your friends and family without spending a dime. The average person spends $70 per month on gas just driving back and forth from work every day. If you live near an urban area, carpooling or taking public transportation may be an option for you instead of commuting every day. If not, try biking or walking to work once or twice a week to help reduce your carbon footprint while saving some cash at the same time!
SHOP Basic supplies for camping
Here’s what you need for your trip: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries (or a lantern if you plan on pitching a tent), waterproof matches or lighter, first aid kit and water purification system. Bonus points if you have a camp stove and can whip up food outdoors. Put all your supplies in a packable daypack instead of rolling them up inside your tent; they’ll be easier to access if wildlife wanders by at night. You should also bring snacks, as well as plenty of water. Dehydration is one of the biggest risks when camping—especially if you’re hiking to get there—so bring enough to stay hydrated.
