3 Ways Camping Promotes Health
By Brandi Swieter
Camping may seem like a simple way to get away from it all, but it can actually be quite healthy. People who camp tend to experience better sleep and improved health. Anyone hoping to enhance their well-being can start with a camping trip to the wilderness.
It Fixes Your Circadian Rhythm
Everyone has a Circadian rhythm that acts as their internal clock. Dips and peaks in energy tend to come at particular times of day for each person. Poor sleeping habits can cause this rhythm to get off balance, making it more difficult to sleep at the proper times. Blue lights from phones can impact this as well. Camping outdoors help to fix this rhythm because people are more likely to head to bed when the sun sets and wake up when the sun rises. It puts the mind and body back on track of what it should be for sleep.
It Reduces Stress
Time spent in nature is enough to reduce stress. Camping in nature for a couple of days can drastically improve cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and promote a stress-free feeling. Anyone feeling overly stressed, upset, or overwhelmed with their daily lives should head out on a camping trip for a chance to eliminate these feelings and get back to better mental health.
It Provides the Opportunity for Exercise
With the busyness that comes with life, many people don’t have the time to exercise as often as they should. Getting away to camp can provide an opportunity to finally get some exercise in for the day. Canoeing, swimming, hiking, and biking are often components of camp life, and each of these offer excellent ways to get fit. Campers should be sure they’re doing these activities as much as possible and not simply sitting around the campsite wasting their time.
Visit The Joint Chiropractic after time spent camping to get the body back in proper alignment if it’s feeling out of whack. While camping typically promotes health and will have a positive impact on the body, those who sleep on the ground rather than a soft surface may experience some minor back pain upon leaving. Time spent camping paired with a visit to the chiropractor afterward can truly benefit health in a number of ways.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Alexandria, Va.