Camping can offer a lifeline to those suffering with mental health issues, with plenty of studies singing the praises of spending time in green spaces
Deliberately immersing ourselves in nature and allowing our senses to soak up the sights, sounds and smells around us can help our bodies and minds reconnect to natural biorhythms and bring seemingly endless health benefits.
With a study even currently underway to see if prescribing outdoor activities can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression in people on waiting lists for treatment, there is no better time to embrace the great outdoors and improve our mental wellbeing.
In light of Mental Health Awareness Week (15th -21st May), outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com has revealed the many wellness benefits a holiday spent in nature can have as well as conducting a study around the best campsites that improved mental well being according to customers.
Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, says: “Nature and the outdoors have long been known to be beneficial for our mental and emotional wellbeing. Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life has shown to improve mood, reduce anger, and help people be more active, which, in turn, has proven to generate feel-good hormones such as endorphins, an increase in which can help people socialise and make new connections. All of these factors can contribute to a more positive state of mind.”
10 WAYS IN WHICH CAMPING BENEFITS MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, increasing the feeling of calm and relaxation.- Fresh air, the physical activity associated with camping and a lack of noise and light pollution all result in a better night’s sleep, which has many benefits such as improved attention and memory, lower stress levels and even helping to ward off depression and other mental disorders.
- As a result of time spent in nature, physical activity and better sleep, camping is also known to lift the mood and increase energy levels for an overall improved feeling of wellness.
- From setting up the tent to trying to start the fire for a barbecue, or a cycling tour to explore the surrounding countryside, camping offers many opportunities to bond with family and friends, and make lifelong memories. This, in turn, results in stronger relationships, which are proven to lower rates of anxiety and depression, and increase self-esteem.
- Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood. When camping in the grounds of a farm, there is ample opportunity to make new four-legged friends.
- Wild swimming – taking a dip in the sea or a lake – is proven to boost dopamine levels and increase the release of endorphins when immersing the body in cold water.
- With many campsites situated in remote locations that have little mobile phone network coverage or no WiFi, a camping trip is the perfect time to disconnect from social media and constant messages. There are significant benefits to undertaking a digital detox, such as improved sleep, a reduction in depression and anxiety, and increased productivity.
- Offering many opportunities for ‘small wins’ such as successfully starting a campfire as well as big adventures in the Great Outdoors, a camping holiday can boost self confidence as campers overcome daily challenges.
- Surrounded by natural beauty, camping can enhance creativity and offers the perfect backdrop to explore painting, photography or even poetry skills. Having a creative outlet is known to reduce stress and enhance appreciation for our environment.
- Experiencing a more minimalist way of living without all of our favourite creature comforts at hand simultaneously makes many campers enjoy the simplicity of life – and appreciate their own home more upon returning. Gratitude has been known to increase feelings of happiness and the ability to deal with adversity while also lowering anxiety and stress levels.
Dan Yates, adds, “The benefits of spending time in nature for both our mental and physical health are widely reported, and a camping trip offers ample opportunity to experience many of them in just one trip. With thousands of amazing campsites located in the UK – many of which have very affordable prices – we think camping is a great way for people of all ages to boost their overall wellbeing.”
Pitchup.com allows people to search for specific topics, for example campsites by the beach, sites where guests can meet animals or bring their own dog, or sites that allow student groups. This makes it easier to find the ideal accommodation option for those looking for places that will suit their specific requirements.
The team at Pitchup.com analysed 30,000 of their reviews over the last year, looking at over 30 keywords linked to mental health and wellbeing (and improvements in the same), to compile a list of the camping and glamping sites where these terms were most frequently used by reviewers.
Research revealed the top three campsites that help to generate positive emotions were all in the North of England, while the coastal county of Norfolk is home to 25 per cent of the top 20 campsites lauded for boosting wellbeing.