Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults in the US each year. While there are many treatments available, including medication and therapy, some people find that getting outdoors can also help relieve symptoms of anxiety. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of spending time in nature, and how it can help with anxiety.
Can Camping Help Anxiety? YES!
With over 40 million US adults currently suffering from anxiety it is a must you get . That's around 15% of the adult population. With so many people suffering from anxiety, it's no surprise that a lot of them turn to the outdoors for comfort. So, can camping help with anxiety? Yes, and we'll discuss how camping may boost your serotonin levels and expose you to lots of fresh air while also allowing you to get away from modern life and technology, which can cause anxiety attacks.
This is assuming that camping itself isn't making you anxious. If it does, perhaps learning about how great camping can be for your mental health will help.
Camping Boosts Your Serotonin Levels
Any recreational activity can technically boost your serotonin levels and make you feel happier as a result. This is because serotonin is often referred to as the brain's "happiness hormone." When your body has high levels of this chemical, you'll generally feel less anxious.
According to recent studies, happiness comes from taking a break from your everyday routine and hanging out with friends. This can be difficult if you suffer from anxiety because it requires leaving your comfort zone. A solution? Plan a weekend camping trip! It will push you to confront your mental barriers so that you can spend time with the people who matter most to you.
Camping Gets You Away From Technology
There is no doubt that modern technology has drastically improved our lives in numerous ways. For example, social media has allowed people to connect with each other like never before and keep long-distance relationships alive and well.
Unfortunately, social media and modern communication in general can be a minefield of stress bombs for those who suffer from anxiety. If you're finding that even your own bedroom isn't safe from outside intrusion, it might be time to go somewhere where your phone is literally unable to catch your attention.
This not only helps you avoid stressful triggers, but can also deepen your relationships with friends and loved ones. You may be surprised at the conversations you’ll have with your significant other when you’re both present and focused on one another.
Camping Gives You Fresh Air
Low blood oxygen is one cause of anxiety, and this is a widespread issue in countries where we typically live indoors with little chance for fresh air.
Why waste a weekend watching Netflix on your sofa and breathing the same stuffy air? It isn't assisting with your anxiety. That said, Season 4 of Stranger Things was well worth watching, and we're excited for Season 4. But before we go any further...
A weekend in nature will allow your lungs to fill with fresh air, which decreases anxiety and improves physical health. You'll feel more relaxed while watching your favorite shows.
Camping Changes Your Perspective
If you live on a farm in the middle of nowhere, then congratulations! You can skip this point. However, for the majority of us who do not have that luxury and instead are forced to look at grey skyscrapers or soul-sucking suburban subdivisions every day, it can be incredibly anxiety-inducing. Surrounding yourself with such depressing monotony will only lead to increased feelings of hopelessness and distress. So why subject yourself to that when you can spend your days off wherever you like?
A long weekend or even a day of camping allows you to spend time in nature, where there are no man-made structures and everything is as it was before people began developing cities. In a word, it's tranquil, and a peaceful environment is just what you need to reduce your blood pressure and slow your breathing.
Not only that, but a change in scenery may have a long-term influence on your mental state. It's nice to remember that nature is there waiting to visit whenever we desire it.
You Can Cut Loose While You’re Camping
Most people who have anxiety also suffer from social anxiety disorder, which is a sensation of unease felt when you're around others and are expected to act within societal norms. Unfortunately, this has only been exacerbated by our modern lifestyles. However, there's one great thing about camping...
Nobody's paying attention to you, except maybe a small group of friends. Nobody cares if you want to sing a silly, made-up song or go skinny dipping or roast your marshmallows until they catch fire and leave nothing but a burnt, black husk. Okay, we're exaggerating. There's no excuse for treating an innocent marshmallow like that.
When you camp, the only limit is your imagination. camping can definitely help with anxiety because it provides an opportunity to leave behind the things that were causing you stress in the first place. If you're looking for a way to destress, we recommend taking a weekend trip \(\ without packing too much\) and seeing how refreshed and relaxed you feel afterwards.
Take a look at another site with some great content: https://gotogethergofar.com/
Comments