The weather is warming up, and soon it’ll be camping season in the US and England. A time where families and friends can rent an RV or campervan and just go exploring. A time where teens are telling each other spooky stories by the fire. And when hikers are going to the deepest forests they can find.
If you’ve never been camping and have had a general interest, then you should definitely give it a go. Camping can be great for your mental health. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month in the USA, and being a good time to camp both over the pond, and in the UK, here are some reasons why camping is a great idea for your mind, and body.
It teaches survival skills
Being mentally prepared for the worst is always a good thing. No, you’re probably not going to have to survive a zombie apocalypse, but knowing how to start a fire, gather tinder, cook food on the fire, and be able to sleep outside will give you confidence and strength.
Important survival skills are a lost art, and camping can help you.
There’s something meditative about it
Being lost in the woods can be calming for many reasons. The crackling of the fire as you cook food on it, the sounds of nature, the running water, and the lack of technology are just a few examples of how tranquil camping can be. You’re away from the hustle and bustle and have time to contemplate life, which is excellent for your mental health.
You’re out doing stuff
This sounds like a silly reason, but if you suffer from dark moods, keeping yourself occupied is one of the best solutions. Being able to start a fire, cook food, and explore can help you focus on that and not self-defeating thoughts, which are the causes of most depression.
If you’re suffering with your mental health, keeping to a routine can help.
Sites like Kempoo can help you to plan your outdoors adventure with loads of info on the great outdoors.
It’s bonding
If you’re camping, you’re usually not doing it alone. Instead, you’re doing it with friends, family, or your lover. It can be a bonding experience for everyone, and this can help you be able to increase your social needs.
Fulfilling your social needs is important in having good mental health, and that’s always a good thing if you want to improve yourself.
Exercise!
When you’re camping, you’re going to be walking a lot, gathering materials, and just exploring. This adds up and can make you feel great. Exercise releases endorphins, which helps you keep mentally happy and ready to take on the world.
Being creative
Sometimes, camping begets creativity. Using the goods around you to make a fire. Finding creative ways to keep your place when you’re exploring – the list goes on.
This ties in with survival skills, but with a more innovative twist. Being innovative is a great way to achieve awesome mental health, and it can help an ageing mind.
READ MORE
The All-Time Best Campervan Routes in the UK
9 Tips for Eco Friendly Camping
Seek help!
Of course, camping isn’t the magic cure for your mental health woes. If you’re suffering from severe depression, anxiety, insomnia, or anything else, then you may want to seek the help of an online therapist. When you’re out travelling, it can be tough for you to be able to meet a therapist in person.
Luckily, there’s another way.
Online therapy has been making waves. You can talk to your therapist through text, phone, video chat, and as long as the woods you’re in have service, you’re all good. You can also try a product like the Sensi Seeds from Zamnesia.com to help you feel drowsy because it has a sedative-like and relaxing effect. Indica strains help in putting you to sleep.
Brianna
Monday 15th of April 2019
Great article and so true! I live in California and go camping at least 6 times a year. We live in such a gorgeous place, the camping/hiking options are endless, and it's great for your overall mental health and well being. I always leave a camping trip refreshed and thankful. Thanks for the post.