7 Health Benefits of Camping

Do we really need to justify going camping every weekend? No… no we don’t. But sometimes it is nice to have a little backup information for those rare conversations with people that don’t “get it.” Check out these seven reasons why you should make camping a priority for you and your family!

1. Reset biological clock and balance melatonin levels. We are definitely living in an era where our regular sleep rhythm is skewed. With the constant flood of artificial light and stimulation we deal with, it is no wonder that our sleep is disrupted and disturbed. Being outside with all-natural light, we are allowing our bodies to reset to a natural cadence. This can also help balance our melatonin levels, which, without getting into a full-blown science class discussion, simply results in healthier immune function, protects against some toxins, and also results in better sleep.
2. Higher oxygen intake. This one deserved its own line. There are SO MANY benefits to increasing your oxygen intake. People are even paying money now to go sit in oxygen bars (yup, it is a thing). Benefits of increased oxygen include higher energy levels, stronger immune system, quicker muscle recovery, and better sleep. Getting outside will give you those benefits (along with others!), so cheers to that.
3. Get a solid mood boost. Increased sunlight exposure equals instant mood booster! Obviously, too much sun can damage your skin, but getting into some direct sunlight can help the body to release serotonin, which can help lift your mood. Being out in the sun can also result in higher levels of vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in bone health. Keep in mind again, that you need to protect yourself from overexposure – these benefits can be outweighed by the downside of too much sun, which can lead to serious skin damage.
4. Better physical fitness. Being outside with all the fresh air, surrounded by nature and trails… of course that would lead to higher amounts of physical activity! Which then leads to your body releasing endorphins, which leads to a happier mood! More movement also can help you get a better night’s sleep.
5. Increased problem-solving skills. You know, one of the best parts of Scouting is that it teaches you to view problems as opportunities to grow. Camping inevitably provides another opportunity to test out your skills! You can plan until the cows come home, but you cannot control the world around you, so obviously there will be curve balls that you get to work on turning into home runs (or at least base hits!). Those last-minute and unforeseen adventures will also hone your communication skills and allow you to practice your management skills.
6. Reduce anxiety and depression. The reduction of stimuli can greatly contribute to lowering anxiety levels. Nowadays, we are constantly bombarded with “action items” and information. With so much input coming in, our nervous systems never actually have a chance to shut down. That means you’re in constant fight-or-flight mode. Not only does this contribute to negative changes in our body’s hormone levels, but can also lead to poor sleep (again?! Seriously, it is no wonder that so many of us struggle with sleep!) AND depression. Getting outside and off the grid a bit greatly reduces all of these negative side effects and gives our bodies a chance to reboot.
7. The chance to get bored. Being bored actually gives us an opportunity to be creative. It allows our brains the space to daydream and make connections that wouldn’t be made if we were engaged in a million tasks and getting bombarded with all the stimuli of our fast-paced world. Let yourself be a little bored! Let your kids discover the freedom of boredom!

To be honest, this list could definitely continue. You could add in the benefits of being still, the benefits of spending close-knit time with your community (whoever you are camping with), the pluses of planning out intentional meals, even the bonus that comes with getting a little uncomfortable! Take advantage of your weekends and plan a couple of extra camping trips this year – your body and mind (and in turn the people you are surrounded by) will be so glad you did.

As always, if you snap some amazing photos while you are adventuring, don’t forget to tag us using #ScoutShopBSA for your chance to be featured on our social channels!

Happy Camping!