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Ask any camper why they spend the time, money, and energy to go camping, and they’ll probably tell you because it’s fun.
And while camping is definitely fun, it’s also good for you – in more ways than one.
Although fall is just around the corner here in the northern hemisphere, there is still plenty of time to hit the road for a camping trip or two. To encourage you to take a trip, here’s a few reasons why camping is good for you.
You Can Unplug
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Personally, one of the best things about camping for me is that I can unplug.
Since I often camp in areas without cell phone coverage or internet, I’m not tempted to take my laptop or constantly check my phone.
Instead, I’m outside hiking, fishing, playing with my dog, reminiscing around the campfire with family and friends, and so forth.
Getting away from all the screens in my life isn’t just good for my eyes (all that eye strain is a downer!) but it’s also good for my mental health. I can unwind, stop worrying about deadlines I need to meet, and perhaps above all, not “doomscroll” through the headlines for a few days.
When I come back from camping, I’m less stressed, less anxious, and my eyes hurt less. I suspect the same is true for many of you as well!
Why Camping is Good For You: Fresh Air and Sunshine
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If you’re like me, you’re probably holed up in your office or home office all week. And once the weekend rolls around, you might be tied up with family events, home improvement projects, and other obligations that keep you indoors as well.
But when you’re camping, you get several days of fresh air and sunshine that help rejuvenate your body and mind – assuming the weather is nice when you’re camping, of course.
If you live in an area where there’s air pollution, getting out in the fresh air can be an almost euphoric experience. And all that sun you get is good for you as well – you take in Vitamin D which helps your body absorb phosphorus and calcium, too. Just be sure you’ve packed sunscreen so you don’t burn!
Why Camping is Good For You: Exercise
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Even if you don’t spend the entire camping trip hiking, mountain biking, or tackling other high-aerobic activities, you can still get in a great deal of exercise.
Heck, I know I get in a good workout just packing the trailer and getting hooked up to my truck. And then when we get to the campground, getting the trailer set up and camp set up is another good workout.
Walking around the campground, going fishing, playing with the kids, chopping wood – these are all typical camping activities that get your heart pumping and calories burning.
You Need Some You Time
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Getting away from it all for a solo camping trip is a great way to recharge your batteries, so to speak.
In fact, if you ask me, this is one of the best reasons why camping is good for you. Solo camping gives you the time to get in tune with yourself, become a little more self-aware, recalibrate, and get ready to get back to the real world.
Think of it as an exercise in self-care. You can forget about all the stressors of work and life for a while and just be with yourself and your thoughts. It can be a truly therapeutic experience!
It’s Fun!
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As I noted in the introduction, camping is fun – that’s why so many of us do it.
And the prospect of having fun – whether on your own or with your family or friends – is why camping is so good for you.
Sure, it’s a lot of work to plan a trip, pack, and get camp set up. But the reward is the ability to kick back, relax, play some games, have some great food, enjoy a s’more or two, and enjoy your time outdoors.
So, whether you’ve been camping ten times this summer already or you’re still looking to take your first trip, now is the time to plan a camping adventure and reap the benefits!