3 Reasons Camping is Good for Your Health
By Genevieve Cunningham
The warm weather is here to stay. For a lot of people, this is really good news. Warm weather means activity and days at the beach and late night cookouts with friends. But it also means another favorite activity -- camping! Camping is a lot of fun, and many people can’t wait to unpack their tent and sleeping bag. For this group, there’s even more good news on the horizon because as it turns out, camping can also be incredibly healthy! If you’re ready to find a spot and relax for a while, take a look at these three ways in which camping might improve your health and make you feel better than ever.
You Get Some Time Outdoors
Getting outside is one of the best things that you can do for your health -- both physically and mentally. When we get outside, our stress levels tend to lower almost automatically. We feel lighter and more relaxed. We also get some much needed sunshine. Though there’s plenty of information about avoiding the sun, it’s important to remember that some exposure is actually good for the body. Soaking in a few rays allows us to get Vitamin D, which is essential for good health. Camping is a good way to get outside, and getting outside means boosting your health for good.
You’ll Get Some Exercise
It’s almost impossible to go camping without more movement and activity. Since camping is outdoors, you have to find more things to do with your time. You might play games with your friends or family, go on a hike, go for a swim, get in a canoe, go fishing -- the options are numerous! This allows you to have fun on your trip while getting in some easy exercise. And with exercise outdoors, you’re on track for better health in no time at all.
You’ll Unplug
We don’t like to admit it, but most of us spend way too much time plugged in. We spend hours on social media, email, our phones. It’s nonstop, and most of the time, it’s damaging our health. But getting outdoors -- with no electricity, at that! -- means no TV, no constant phone use, no devices. It means you have to unplug and actually pay attention to your surroundings. And this can be incredibly good for every aspect of your health. Force yourself to log off during your camping trip, and you will find yourself feeling better than ever before.
Camping is a ton of fun. It’s work, but it’s work that is fun and challenging and relaxed. With the warm weather upon us, take some time off to pitch your tent and soak in some sun. With a little time off and some time spent at your favorite campground, you’ll quickly improve your health in multiple ways and feel better than ever for the summer ahead.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Collierville, Tenn.