If you’re on the fence about embracing the wonderful world of camping, read on. Here are 7 truths about this almost universally beloved activity that will convince you to break out of your house and into the great outdoors.
1. Camping has no age limit.
Absolutely anyone of any age can benefit from camping. It doesn’t matter if you’re 1 day old or 101 years old: Mother Nature doesn’t discriminate and welcomes all!
2. Camping is good for your physical well-being.
Spending more time outside has been shown to dramatically improve your health, by both increasing your exposure to vitamin D (which boosts your immunities as well as your heart health) and by getting you more active than you’d be sitting in front of your TV or computer screen.
3. Camping is good for your mental health.
That’s right! Not only will getting outside and out of your normal routine give you a fresh (and refreshing!) perspective, but getting outside and into the sunshine will actually boost your mood. Thank vitamin D, which has been shown to alleviate stress, depression and anxiety in people with vitamin D deficiencies.
4. Camping is really, really affordable.
Unlike a luxury cruise or jetting off somewhere, camping doesn’t have to cost you anything. Bring your tent, sleeping supplies, clothing, some food and a sense of adventure, and you’ve got a vacation that will make memories that money can’t buy.
5. Camping is comfortable.
When many people think of camping, they think of sitting in a mosquito infested forest and swimming in leach-ridden rivers. Sure, wildlife is part of the experience, but you don’t have to throw yourself at the mercy of the natural world to go camping. Go RV camping, or invest in an amazing camper trailer and bring some of the comforts of home with you on your trip.
6.Camping is easy.
If you’re heading for base camp at Everest, sure your trip may be a wee bit difficult, but not all camping is fraught with hardships. Camping can be as easy as backing your camping trailer into a spot at a campground, unrolling the awning, unfolding your lawn chairs and hardcore chilling out. You can make your outdoor excursions as easy or challenging as you like!
7. Camping is soul expanding.
Ever spend a sleeping under the stars? Or allowed a gentle current to guide your canoe downstream while you just enjoyed? Or gone for a stroll at dawn around the lake? If you have, you know how getting in touch with our natural world can expand your soul. In fact, increased exposure to nature has been shown to actually make us better people, increasing our compassion and empathy.
There’s really no good reason not to go camping, so ditch the excuses and pitch a tent! A happier, healthier life awaits!