“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find
out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity...”
― John Muir
The Great Outdoors
The feeling is unforgettable. Being miles from any signs of civilization with
only the sound of birds and the ground crunching under your feet, hiking past
huge waterfalls and creeks, and having to find your way on a trail that’s
so infrequently traveled on that it almost disappears in places. There is something to be said with leaving life's intertwined worries behind and venturing out in new uncarved territory that refreshes the soul. What you might not realize is that camping can help you live a longer, healthier life!
10 Benefits of Camping
1. The Fresh Air
Spend time near a lot of trees, and you take in more oxygen. That delicious feeling of happiness that you get when you take your first breath of air at the campground isn’t all in your head! It’s a release of serotonin from the extra oxygen. Your body can function with less strain when there’s plenty of oxygen.
2. Socialization
Camping alone is plenty of fun, but if you bring along a friend or family member, you’ll enjoy a unique experience together that will help you keep a healthy, happy relationship.
3. Improved Moods
Regular campers will often talk about how the first few days back from a trip seem happier. This isn’t without merit; spending some time outside in the sunlight can even out the levels of melatonin in your brain.
4. Less Stress
Camping allows you to cope with stress. Stress negatively affects your health in many ways at a cellular level, and you’re putting much less strain on your mental and physical faculties by giving yourself some stress-free time at the campsite.
5. Exercise
One super benefit of camping is you’re spending a lot of time performing physical activities. Even if you’re taking a fishing trip,
you’re burning more calories than you’d burn sitting around an office, and if you hike or bike, you’re performing cardiovascular exercise that will help keep your heart and lungs healthy.
6. Sunshine
Sunshine feels great on your skin, and there’s an evolutionary reason for that. When you’re out in direct sunlight, you’re taking on a ton of Vitamin D, which allows your body to absorb calcium and phosphorous.
7. A Good Night’s Sleep
Assuming that you’ve got decent camping gear, you’ll fall asleep faster after a full day of outdoor activities. Sleep has an effect on all of your body processes and can reduce inflammation, improve your cardiovascular system, and help you stay alert.
8. Good Food
Camping forces you to fire up that good ol' grill and get to work on some high quality protein like hamburgers and steaks. Nothing tastes better than food cooked and eaten outdoors. Set out that tablecloth on your front site picnic table and enjoy!
9. New Challenges
No two camping trips are exactly the same, and that’s a good thing. Studies from the University of Texas and University of Michigan show that new experiences help to keep brains healthy.
10. Meditation
When you go camping, don’t forget to turn off your cell phone. Leave the tablet and the laptop computer at home. Try to disconnect for a few days and enjoy the simplicity of the natural experience. Just don’t forget to commit to the experience if your cell phone’s off, you’re on your way to developing a stimulating, tranquil hobby that will keep you healthy for years to come.
only the sound of birds and the ground crunching under your feet, hiking past
huge waterfalls and creeks, and having to find your way on a trail that’s
so infrequently traveled on that it almost disappears in places. There is something to be said with leaving life's intertwined worries behind and venturing out in new uncarved territory that refreshes the soul. What you might not realize is that camping can help you live a longer, healthier life!
10 Benefits of Camping
1. The Fresh Air
Spend time near a lot of trees, and you take in more oxygen. That delicious feeling of happiness that you get when you take your first breath of air at the campground isn’t all in your head! It’s a release of serotonin from the extra oxygen. Your body can function with less strain when there’s plenty of oxygen.
2. Socialization
Camping alone is plenty of fun, but if you bring along a friend or family member, you’ll enjoy a unique experience together that will help you keep a healthy, happy relationship.
3. Improved Moods
Regular campers will often talk about how the first few days back from a trip seem happier. This isn’t without merit; spending some time outside in the sunlight can even out the levels of melatonin in your brain.
4. Less Stress
Camping allows you to cope with stress. Stress negatively affects your health in many ways at a cellular level, and you’re putting much less strain on your mental and physical faculties by giving yourself some stress-free time at the campsite.
5. Exercise
One super benefit of camping is you’re spending a lot of time performing physical activities. Even if you’re taking a fishing trip,
you’re burning more calories than you’d burn sitting around an office, and if you hike or bike, you’re performing cardiovascular exercise that will help keep your heart and lungs healthy.
6. Sunshine
Sunshine feels great on your skin, and there’s an evolutionary reason for that. When you’re out in direct sunlight, you’re taking on a ton of Vitamin D, which allows your body to absorb calcium and phosphorous.
7. A Good Night’s Sleep
Assuming that you’ve got decent camping gear, you’ll fall asleep faster after a full day of outdoor activities. Sleep has an effect on all of your body processes and can reduce inflammation, improve your cardiovascular system, and help you stay alert.
8. Good Food
Camping forces you to fire up that good ol' grill and get to work on some high quality protein like hamburgers and steaks. Nothing tastes better than food cooked and eaten outdoors. Set out that tablecloth on your front site picnic table and enjoy!
9. New Challenges
No two camping trips are exactly the same, and that’s a good thing. Studies from the University of Texas and University of Michigan show that new experiences help to keep brains healthy.
10. Meditation
When you go camping, don’t forget to turn off your cell phone. Leave the tablet and the laptop computer at home. Try to disconnect for a few days and enjoy the simplicity of the natural experience. Just don’t forget to commit to the experience if your cell phone’s off, you’re on your way to developing a stimulating, tranquil hobby that will keep you healthy for years to come.
"Another thing I like to do is sit back and take in nature. To look at the
birds, listen to their singing, go hiking, camping and jogging and running,
walking along the beach, playing games and sometimes being alone with the great
outdoors. It's very special to me." Larry Wilcox