If you’re a nature lover, camping is probably the best type of vacation for you. It’s fun, exciting, but also healthy. So, while you’re packing your equipment and searching for the best possible campsite, check out these health benefits of camping.
Fresh air
Spending time sightseeing in a big city can be entertaining, but the air in most of these cities is very polluted. On the other hand, we usually camp somewhere where nature is intact and there’s a lot of green. Besides being kind on your eyes, the green of the trees means there is more oxygen for you to breathe. The clean air can help clean your lungs, as well as allow you to take deeper breaths. Deeper breaths mean that your cells get more oxygen, and this includes brain cells. All of this leads to better brain and cardiovascular function, but it also strengthens your immune system and boosts your energy levels.
Sunshine
The air isn’t the only good thing about being in nature. There is a lot you can gain from the sunshine, too. The main benefit lies in vitamin D. When the levels of vitamin D rise, it can help the calcium and phosphate in your body keep your bones strong and healthy, improve your mood, prevent depression, high blood pressure and some heart issues. The production of this vitamin in your skin is activated by sunlight, but only if you’re not wearing any sunscreen. This is why it’s best to be exposed to direct sun while it’s not at its strongest, early in the morning and before it sets in the evening. The sun’s always at its hottest between 10 in the morning and 3 or 4 in the afternoon, so be sure you’re wearing sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 during that period. Also, you should wear protective clothing, such as T-shirts, hats, and sunglasses.
Reducing stress
There are many things in your everyday life that can cause stress. Your routine, your obligations at work and at home, the noise and the nerve-racking traffic jams. When they all pile up, the stress you experience can affect your health in a way you really want to avoid. Choosing a busy tourist destination can add to that stress. The crowds and the hotel prices in such places can be unnerving. Camping is much more refreshing and not to mention cheaper, especially if you find a great online camping sale * and get your equipment that way. The fresh air, sunshine, and wilderness have a way of soothing your mind, away from all the screens, phone calls and meetings. So, while camping, switch off all your electronic devices and go on a digital detox. Leaving all the stressful things behind and spending your time in the beauty and serenity of nature can allow you to rest, recharge and find the calmness you so desperately need.
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More physical activity
The majority of people who choose camping for their vacation enjoy spending time in nature. So, what better way to be more physically active than this? If nothing else, you have to break a sweat setting up your tent and the rest of your equipment. Watching TV and staying in your bed all day doesn’t really fall under the category of camping activities, but walking, hiking, and cycling do. Whatever campsite you choose, you’ll surely want to explore the surroundings. The increase in movement will be a great contrast to sitting in your office, staring at your computer or various printed reports. Any kind of physical exercise is good for you, but when you couple it with clean air, it can only be more beneficial. It can make your brain work better, improve your circulation, lower your blood pressure, strengthen your heart and help you with weight loss.
Better sleeping
When your day is filled with healthy activities, fresh air and sunshine, falling asleep can be a much easier task than it is at home. Instead of filling your space with artificial light, you’ll give your body and mind will the opportunity to adjust to the natural cycle of light and dark. Furthermore, if you start a campfire in the evening, its yellow light will lift the level of melatonin in your organism. This chemical regulates sleep by making you feel sleepy and tired. Add increased physical activity to all this and you’ll reap the health benefits of quality sleep in no time. You’ll be more focused, energized and cheerful, able to make the best of your vacation.
If you’ve been camping before, you’ll probably want to go again. If not, before booking a hotel somewhere with too many people and too few green areas, consider trying something new, different and healthy and go camping this time.
Guest Blogger
Luke Douglas, he can be reached at mrlukeidouglas@gmail.com or his website.
