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Some general camping benefits:
We don’t presume to speak for another single living soul. It wouldn’t pass the mirror test. As this is being written we can feel the tension in our shoulders. We long for a few idyllic days with nothing but the sounds of birds, insects and either the crash of the waves on the beach, or the constant soothing rush of water in the river.
In our increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven world, it’s easy to become disconnected from nature and the simple joys it offers. The best fix we know is to embrace camping, a timeless outdoor activity that brings anyone closer to the natural world while offering a multitude of physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
Don’t take it from me. Google it. There is pretty much a consensus.
Consequently, whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a beginner with a healthy curiosity about the world of camping, here are some compelling reasons why you should pack up your gear, leave the comforts of home behind, and head into the great outdoors. We don’t claim to have an exhaustive list. We only know what we know. Accordingly, this is our subjective take on just a few of the benefits of camping.
1. Camping reduces Stress.
Simply being outdoors has been shown to be beneficial. A walk in the park. A day at the beach. Camping takes that to a whole other level. Moreover, not only does it provide an excellent escape from the stressors of daily life, (traffic, more work than time, pick your pet peeve…), but the tranquility of nature, the sounds, and the smells just fix us up on so many levels. Also, we just tend to smile a lot for no good reason and laugh at pretty goofy things.
We’ve thought long and hard about it, and we’re no closer to one single reason that we can point to and say: “Yup. That’s exactly what it is.”
It’s a collection of things. It’s a tangle of smells – exposed earth and woodsmoke; the sounds of birds and insects and rushing water. It’s the feeling that we get. It’s the sounds.
Perhaps identifying exactly how camping reduces stress is difficult because of what is not there. The absence of noisy urban environments can instantly lower our stress levels. Furthermore, the fresh air, not to mention that people who study these things say that natural surroundings have a calming effect, reducing cortisol levels and promoting a sense of relaxation.
We’ve come to believe that.
2. Improved Physical Health:
Firstly, it’s easy to overlook stuff a lot of folks take for granted. This is a mistake. Our advice is “Don’t do that.”
For example, fresh clean air. Those Wall Street weenies don’t spend a lot of time thinking about air quality. We don’t have the studies for that. We could easily be wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time. We just can’t see it being a priority. Never mind.
However, we do have studies showing that fresh, clean air releases Serotonin, which has many measurable benefits.
Serotonin? What the heck is serotonin?
We’re delighted you asked. Serotonin has been nicknamed “the happy hormone”. Didn’t know that, didja? Neither did we, until a minute ago. The point is, it does a lot of heavy lifting, but all you really have to know is that it creates a long-lasting feeling of happiness or well-being. That ought to be enough for anyone.
It’s certainly enough for us, but for all you footnote weirdos, read on. This is from the Cleveland Clinic:
“(Serotonin influences ) learning, memory, happiness as well as regulating body temperature, sleep, sexual behavior and hunger. Lack of enough serotonin is thought to play a role in depression, anxiety, mania, and other health conditions.”
Okay? Okay.
This serotonin is released instantly upon breathing the oxygen generated by the trees and other growing things. Pretty cool, huh?
“Keep your fork, Duke, There’s pie!” (That’s a Nova Scotian expression that means, “Wait, there’s more!”)
There is also the fact that camping involves physical activities. Just setting up your camp is physical, forget about the hiking, swimming, and exploring.
This is excellent for cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and just your general fitness.
But it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do all that physical stuff. You have to do the minimum, of course – and there is a lot of physical work involved in simply gathering and processing the day’s firewood and water – but just hanging around the campsite with a guitar or a great book (See Dickens, Charles, The Pickwick Papers) is pretty hard to beat. Especially if you hiked to the top of the mountain the day before and have discovered entirely new muscles that ache this morning. (It happens. We’ve asked around, and it’s become pretty obvious that most people aren’t getting any younger.)
Finally, camping trips typically include healthier food options, as campers often prepare meals from scratch, resulting in a more balanced diet.
3. Enhanced Mental Well-Being:
Spending time in nature has been linked to improved mental health. We talked about serotonin. But apparently, the sights and sounds of the wilderness have a soothing effect on the mind, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Camping allows you to unplug from digital devices and constant notifications, giving your mind a chance to reset and refresh.
We can only speak for ourselves, but the Covid-19 pandemic really put the whammy on our heads. We apologize for the fancy-pants medical term, but you dance with who brung ya. It turns out that your circadian rhythms get reset when you are camping. (That’s your body clock, for you and me.) Who knew? Well, Time magazine knew, for one.
4. Connection with Nature:
Camping fosters a deep connection with the natural world. You’ll have the opportunity to observe wildlife, study plants, and experience the beauty of landscapes. This simple connection seems to increase our appreciation for the environment and reinforce a sense of responsibility for its preservation. (This feels like a good place for a “Leave no trace” plug.)
5. Quality Time with Loved Ones:
Camping provides an ideal setting for bonding with family and friends. The teasing. The bickering. The Dad jokes. The bad puns. That’s the good stuff.
Without the distractions of technology and the busyness (not “business”) of daily life, you can engage in meaningful conversations, (or not – see above), play games, play and sing music, and create lasting memories together.
The playfulness. Permit us a small anecdote from the summer just past (2023) A group of people went in the river at 2:00 in the afternoon and shrieked until 4:30. It certainly sounded fun. The minute they came out, in we went. It was absolutely as fun as we had heard.
Campfires and starry nights also provide the perfect backdrop for storytelling and stargazing.
6. Problem-Solving Skills:
Camping often presents challenges that require problem-solving skills. Whether it’s setting up a tent, starting a fire, or navigating through rugged terrain, you’ll find yourself developing resourcefulness and adaptability. These are life skills that can be applied to various aspects of your life.
7. Increased Self-Reliance:
When you camp, you become more self-reliant. You learn to cook over an open flame, fetch your water, and provide for your basic needs. This self-sufficiency can boost your confidence and independence. In addition, you just might appreciate the comforts of home more when you return.
8. Appreciation for Simplicity:
Camping strips away the excesses of modern life and teaches you to appreciate the simple things. A warm meal, a comfortable sleeping bag, and the beauty of a starlit night sky become the highlights of your day. The birds are your alarm clock. It’s pretty great.
9. Adventure and Exploration:
Camping offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. You can discover hidden trails, swim in remote lakes or rivers, and conquer challenging peaks. Each camping trip can be a new adventure waiting to unfold, keeping life exciting and full of wonder. Or not. Sometimes it’s fun to just sit around and tell funny stories. It’s really up to you.
Finally:
Therefore, far from just being a recreational activity; camping is a full-blown experience that can enrich your life in countless ways. From reducing stress and improving physical health to fostering mental well-being and deepening your connection with nature, camping offers a wide array of benefits. So, the next time you have the chance, grab your gear, step out of your comfort zone, and experience the magic of the outdoors. We can honestly say that we have never regretted it. Seriously. Even when it wasn’t that much fun at the time, we still have all of the funny stories, and we learned something important about ourselves.
Okay. That’s it from us. Get out there!