This is the second part of a four-part series to reconnect with nature, presented with Campers Village. When you were younger your parents might’ve told you that getting outside would do you some good, well here’s the proof! 5 ways camping can benefit your mental health:

1. Soaking up the sun

 

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When you’re outside camping, you’re boosting your vitamin D intake from the sun. Science has actually proved that there is a link between vitamin D deficiency and depression. According to Psychology Today, “An estimated 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.” Your body needs to absorb vitamin D to release neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which make you happy! You also need it for a ton of other body functions and to get the proper calcium for things like bone strength.

2. Getting active

 

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When you go camping you get the opportunity to do physical activities like hiking, backpacking, kayaking, or rock climbing. Exercise has been proven to impact your mental health positively by relieving stress and even helping you sleep better! Of course, there’s also the added value of working up a sweat or just getting your body moving.

3. Enjoying fresh air

 

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Studies have shown that there are significant health benefits by spending time outside! This article explains the benefits of “forest bathing” and nature therapy, which involves treatments using the outdoors to improve your mental health. The level of serotonin, that happy chemical, is also raised with the help of the oxygen you breathe in outside.

4. Going unplugged

 

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Being out in nature, maybe away from wifi, is a good excuse to put your phone down. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by screens and social media, and according to psychology today it can even give you “device created anxiety”. So unplugging out in nature can be a great way to give your eyes, and brain, a rest.

5. The social aspect

 

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Right now we are social distancing. However, camping with your family or the people you live with can be a really nice way to get out of the house and strengthen your relationships. It allows you to be present with the people you love over a campfire or an outdoor activity. According to a Mayo Clinic psychologist, “Socializing not only staves off feelings of loneliness, but also it helps sharpen memory and cognitive skills, increases your sense of happiness and well-being, and may even help you live longer.”

 

You can get everything you need to enjoy your outdoor escape from Campers Village. They’re a locally-owned Alberta company and they’ve been helping Albertans recharge and reconnect in nature since 1963. They’re open now- and of course following all Alberta Health Services guidelines for physical distancing, cleaning, and safety. You won’t have to worry, throughout the store you’ll find their hygiene stations as well as physical barriers and distance indicators. And if you’re still unsure, they do offer curbside pickup.

To celebrate, their Re-Opening Sale is on with great deals to be had on hiking boots & shoes, rain jackets, tents, kayaks, camping gear, and more. They also have everything you need to make your tent nice and cozy with sleeping bags and tent accessories. You can check everything out in-store, or get a head start on knowing what you want HERE.

Campers Village: Helping Albertans enjoy the outdoors since 1963.

Filed under: Campers Village Camping, Campers Village Mental Health, Campers Village MentalHealth