Everyone knows that camping is enjoyable and a great hobby to get into. However, not everyone knows the underlying effects of being out in nature. It can help you in more ways than just de-stressing. It helps you explore not only the wilderness but yourself. Here are 5 little known benefits of camping and how to make it better.

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Mental and Physical Benefits

Everyone knows that you are going to be physically active when camping. You’re going to engage in activities like hiking, putting up a tent, gathering firewood, etc. However, did you know that camping is one of the best methods for preventing stress and depression? It’s true! Being out in nature helps clear the mind and detox from our busy lives. You are going to be physically active in the sun which will release serotonin, dopamine and other vital hormones that have effects on the brain. Even just watching the beautiful landscape can have positive effects on your mood and health. Combine camping activities such as hunting to make it even more enjoyable. Going into nature is going to increase your focus and clear your mind. It’s a great time to unwind, relax, and focus on your wellbeing. 

If you want to have camping fun for the whole family, introduce games! Although doing a physical activity like a hike can help clear your mind, there are other relaxing games such as cornhole or horseshoes. Doing these things with your family or spouse is going to give you memories that will last a lifetime. It becomes a special bonding experience where you get to participate in your wellbeing.

Life lessons

Camping provides you with an immediate physical manifestation of your hard work. What that means is you can see the results of everything you do whether good or bad. Gathering wood and building a fire shows you the immediate results of your work. However, this is mother nature we are talking about. She can be unforgiving. While camping, you will run into problems. Let’s say you build a roaring fire only for it to unexpectedly rain. You can take that as a sign that the world is cruel, and it can seem that way at times, but that’s not all. If you are a parent, camping is a great way to show that life will throw you curveballs. You and your family learn to adapt, and children learn the lesson that not everything will be handed to you. Sometimes, you have to learn the hard way. Challenges will present themselves to you in life. Other times, things may come easily. Camping helps teach kids and adults the importance of overcoming an obstacle. It’s an important reason why camping is good for you and your family. It’s going to force you to get creative and problem solve. 

Restart your sleep cycle

Your body needs proper sleep in order to function. In addition, you need to sleep for mental stability, weight loss, and a reduction of stress. In our daily lives, we are constantly on our phones or devices that keep us up all night. Not only do electronics block hormones that put us to sleep, but they can be addicting and hard to put down. Being in nature and putting your phone away can help reset your circadian rhythm. It may be an unexpected benefit, but camping can do wonders for readjusting your life.

The only problem is that sleeping on the ground can be uncomfortable. If done improperly, you can have even worse sleep. Do your research, get a sizable, nice, bed to sleep on like the Coleman Camping Cot, which also has an air mattress that is battery powered. You can also try sleeping in a hammock under the stars, in the bed of your truck (with the right blankets), or with a comfortable sleeping bag. Test out whichever option you choose before you go camping.

Escape pollution and help your asthma

Living in the suburbs or city is going to expose you to lots of pollution, which is a leading factor in children’s asthma. Getting out into the wilderness and experiencing fresh air is good for asthma. It will be easier to breathe and not as hard on your lungs to keep breathing. You will have more energy and it will be easier to breathe while completing physical activities. We recommend bringing your inhaler just-in-case depending on your level of asthma.

It can become a social gathering

Want to make your next outing even better? Invite your friends and family to come with you! Camping can be a group activity. It’s actually pretty fun to plan bachelor parties or birthday celebrations at national parks. You will enjoy activities together, get closer, and create memories. Make smores, go hiking, or try to have a scavenger hunt with a cash prize at the end. The important thing is that you are experiencing nature together and setting aside your busy life. It’s one of the only activities you can do that forces you to be off your phone and in the moment.

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