Every year, millions of people go camping. According to the most recent report from the Outdoor Foundation, 40.1 million Americans camped in 2013; 39.7 million Americans camped in 2012; 42.5 million people camped in 2011, and 40 million people went camping in 2010 — and for good reason, too. There are some pretty amazing benefits of camping.
Here are just a few.
It’s Literally Good For You.
Believe it or not, getting away from it all and having a nice stay in nature is actually good for you. A recent study suggests that the increasing prevalence of conditions like obesity, attention disorders, and depression is partly caused by a decrease of time being spent in nature. Researchers even noted that nature can help relieve stress, restore mental faculties, and improve mood. What’s more, since camping can increase a person’s oxygen intake, it can also increase Serotonin levels, making a person feel happier.
It Gets You Active.
When you camp, you get active. A recent poll showed that hiking is the most popular activity among campers, as 92% of campers reported that they like to go hiking when they camp. Plus, you’re also going to set up the tent, haul your gear, gather wood, and maybe fish or swim, too. Best of all, you’ll be having too much fun to think about the fact that you’re exercising.
It Helps You Eat Healthier.
As much as people might try to eat healthier, McDonald’s is just so alluring. Luckily, going camping removes that temptation, and limits your meal options to healthier, more natural ones, thereby allowing you to possibly jumpstart a diet, or at least take a break from less healthy foods.
Camping doesn’t have to be intense, either. Who said you had to find camping grounds out in the wilderness? If you want to camp, but don’t want the most intense of outdoor experiences, then you’ll be happy to know that there are vacation cabin rentals available, which are pretty easy camping experiences. Other vacation cabins provide rustic accommodations so that you don’t have to worry about hassling with setting up a tent or figuring out how to cook over an open fire. You can just show up, and begin enjoying nature as soon as you get situated.
