Today I’m going to explain why camping is fun with ten reasons why it’s worth trying. At the end of the day, you’ll come to realize after reading this article, that camping is very healthy for the mind, body, and soul. The benefits are seemingly endless.
#1 Digital Detox
It’s very healthy to disconnect from technology for a little while. Nowadays, you can reach anybody immediately and it’s not a healthy thing. Not only has social media reduced the amount of time we are able to stay focused, but according to the study Association Between Social Media Use and Depression Among U.S. Young Adultsby Liu Yi Lin B.A. Et al., social media use has been significantly associated with increased depression.
At the end of the day, our addiction to technology and social media does not make us happy so, by making an effort to detox from all of that while we go on a camping trip, we can enrich our experience and enjoy ourselves even more.
#2 It’s Healthy
To put it plain and simply; it is healthy to go camping, and that makes us happy and thus causes us to have more fun. Now, you might be thinking to yourself something along the lines of – when I camp, I don’t do much exercise, so how can it be healthy?
Even if you’re not spending your days walking around, your body is still benefitting from being in nature.
Basically, when we breathe in fresh air, we also breathe in phytoncides which are airborne chemicals that plants give off to protect themselves from insects. These chemicals have antibacterial and antifungal qualities that in turn help plants fight diseases.
When we breathe in those chemicals our bodies react by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell that is called natural killer cells. These cells kill virus-infected cells in our body and so, we are boosting our immune system by just being surrounded by nature. Isn’t it incredible?
#3 Teamwork and Bonding
By going camping with our family and/or friends we boost the bond which we share with them and also improve our ability to work as a team. This happens naturally, by doing certain things such as setting up a tent or building a campfire – things that require coordination.
Moreover, spending quality time with loved ones can also help reset our minds, as well as reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. People tend to bond most when camping, most likely due to the lack of distractions. There’s no need to worry about work or school, and you can just enjoy the serenity.
#4 Improve Creative Problem Solving
I bet you didn’t know that being in nature also improves your ability to creatively solve problems. This is according to the study Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning through Immersion in Natural Settings by Strayer, D.L. and Atchley, R.A. and published on PLOS One, a peer-reviewed open access scientific journal by the Public Library of Science. One of the results of the study shows a 50% increase in performance after four days of exposure to nature, proving that there is a cognitive advantage merely due to the emotionally positive influence.
#5 Reconnect with Yourself
This is especially true for those who like to go camping on their own since you have no choice but to be left alone with your thoughts; it’s just you, the birds, and the trees. Even if you like to camp with a group, you’re bound to have some quiet time.
This is what makes for the perfect opportunity to ground yourself. Nowadays our lives are filled with constant noise from other people, cars, construction, and technology.
Disconnect from everything so that you can reconnect with yourself. In other words, you’ll be left feeling happier, energized, and relaxed after your camping trip.
#6 Improves Memory
The benefits of camping are beginning to seem endless. Berman, M. et al., psychology researchers from the University of Michigan conducted some research that proves being in nature can improve memory.
They had participants walk on routes that took them through U-M’s Botanical Gardens and there was a 20% improvement in their short-term memory, whereas n improvement could be observed when they had walked down city streets.
It doesn’t matter what the weather is, the same benefits can be seen, as Berman commented that “Interacting with nature can have similar effects as meditating”.
This must be due to the fact that, when camping and surrounded by fresh air, the body releases higher levels of serotonin than usual, which is a naturally-produced neurotransmitter that doesn’t just help with memory, but also with learning, mood, appetite, and sleep.
#7 Survival Skills
While camping, your children, if you have any, get to see and experience some very useful basic survival skills such as setting up a tent and building a fire.
Some other really great skills that you (and your children) can learn are how to maintain a campfire, read a map, and filter water before drinking. I also find it interesting to learn about the flora of the area as it is important to know which are toxic and which are edible.
Regarding children, it does depend on their age whether they can actually learn these things first-hand or just watch, but at least you get to have a little helper with you.
#8 Freedom
Camping bestows upon you a sense of freedom and adventure. Being able to go wherever you want to (within reason, understandably) and being in complete control is a great feeling. You get to sleep and wake up whenever you want to, which doesn’t get to happen very often for most of us.
#9 It’s Cost-Effective
Although it is nice to go all out on some nice camping gear, it is not necessary to do so. It’s quite easy to simply borrow a tent and sleeping bags or to find cheap enough ones. Most campsites only charge just over $10 without the full utilities and, at the end of the day, the benefits outweigh the cost.
#10 Boost Self-Esteem & Confidence
Lastly, I would like to touch on the fact that camping can boost self-esteem and confidence, especially in children.
When it comes to self-esteem, this article from Today’s Parent tells us that praise alone is not enough to build a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Camping is an excellent way to boost both of these things – you could give them small tasks to do throughout the camping trip. As they complete each task, that sense of accomplishment is what increases self-esteem and confidence.
Don’t forget to step back and let them make mistakes too, leave them be to figure out ways to solve problems without intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is so great about camping?
Camping is great for the mind, body, and soul. It’s the fresh air and being surrounded by nature that leaves us feeling more content with life afterward.
Why do we like camping?
Disconnecting from technology as well as the hustle and bustle of noisy life makes us feel better. Plus, it’s healthy for us. There have been a lot of studies that prove the many ways camping is beneficial to our minds and bodies.
What are the benefits of camping?
The quiet that comes with camping helps us to ground ourselves, and being in nature can even boost our memory, creative problem solving, and immune system.
Why is camping relaxing?
A lack of fresh air can cause us to feel stressed and anxious. While camping, you subsequently replenish your body with much-needed oxygen that the plants around you provide. The oxygen nourishes the cells in our bodies making us feel rejuvenated.
What is bad about camping?
Camping comes with a few risks. There’s a possibility of encountering wild animals and nasty insects, and it can be uncomfortable. Without the proper gear, you’re quite likely to have a bad night’s sleep.
What are the disadvantages of camping?
The main disadvantages of camping are bugs, a lack of bathrooms and showers, and the risk of getting sunburnt. Let’s not forget the possibility of sudden bad weather either.