HEALTH BENEFITS OF CAMPING
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CAMPING…
Most people go on camping trips to get away from reality and to spend time with friends and family. Some go just because they want an adventure! Camping gives you the chance to take yourself away from any distractions that may occur in your everyday life. But what you might not realize is camping can help you live a longer, healthier life.
THE FRESH AIR
When you spend time near a lot of trees, you take in more oxygen. That feeling of happiness that you get when you take your first breath of air at the campground isn’t all in your head–well, technically it is, but it’s a release of serotonin from the extra oxygen. Your body can function with less strain when there’s plenty of oxygen. However that is not the only benefit of fresh air. Studies show that regularly spending time in the outdoors can improve your blood pressure, improve digestion and help your immune system. So even if you’re not camping, get out in the fresh air and away from the city pollutants.
IMPROVED MOODS
You may notice when people come back from a camping trip they often seem happy, this is no coincidence! Spending time outdoors and in the sunlight can even out the melatonin levels in the brain. Melatonin is a chemical in the brain that makes you feel tired and can sometimes induce the feelings of depression. So from going camping you will feel better during and after your trip!
LESS STRESS
Camping gives you the chance to take a breather and live a slower-paced lifestyle, which is great if you are affected by stress. Stress can negatively affect your health in every way possible, so spending time on a stress-free campsite away from reality will rapidly reduce stress.
The reduction in stress can come from fresh air as mentioned above and by doing something you enjoy it’s often harder to get annoyed or angry!
EXERCISE
A common health benefit in any outdoor activity is exercise and camping is certainly no different. Whether you’re walking, hiking, biking or fishing, these activities will burn more calories than if you were sat in an office. Even moving the camping equipment from the car and setting up the tent will burn more calories than you’d think. Exercise releases a hormone in the body that stimulates happiness which is a very positive effect on one’s health.
SUNSHINE
As well as being dangerous if over exposed, sunlight can have a huge positive impact on your health. UV rays are packed full of vitamin D, which is an essential vitamin! However too much sun can lead to skin problems later in life, so make sure your using a good sunscreen and limiting your time in the sun. On a camping trip it’s possible to spend 10 – 14 hours of the day outdoors, whereas in a normal day most people only get around 2 hours. Camping is good for your health!
