Are you suffering from a disorder that is spreading across the United States, and the entire Western world for that matter, like wildfire and you don’t even know it? Are you experiencing “asymptomatic” physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that tell you something is off within your body yet your doctors, friends, and family say you seem perfectly fine (because chances are, they’re suffering from this disorder too and don’t even know it)? Do you feel an overwhelming sense of frustration in your life and you’re not entirely sure why? Do you feel like you’re missing out on something but you’re not even sure what?
If this sounds anything like you or someone you know, it might be time to spend sometime outdoors at campgrounds, because you could be suffering from nature deficit disorder. As such, time out in nature is just what the doctor ordered, literally! Whether it’s camping in your local state park, retreating to remote mountain cabins or cabin rentals for a weekend, or just having some water fun at a local lake, time outdoors can be just what you need in order to feel vital and more “human” again. The way people are living now is completely counter intuitive to the way humans were meant to live, and for the first time previous generations might actually be outliving their offspring.
Nature deficit disorder is a term coined by Richard Louv, an American author and journalist. He believes that because the majority of people now spend so little time outdoors visiting campgrounds in Nature, and because they spend so much time interacting with tech or living a sedentary lifestyle, that chronic disease and mental health issues are at an all time high. And although you might think his claim sounds pretty bogus, scientific research is backing him up.
There are plenty of psychology, physical, and spiritual benefits to spending more time out in nature and visiting campgrounds that can dramatically improve your health and overall state of well being. Still not convinced how visiting campgrounds can make your entire life better? Have a look at these examples!
Improved mood
Trees are the lung of planet Earth and are constantly pumping out large amounts of oxygen into the air people breathe. There’s a reason why the air in a city smells and feels so much different than the air in the country; less plant life and trees means less oxygen and more pollution. Breathing in high levels of oxygen causes your brain to release serotonin, otherwise known as the “feel good” hormone. Serotonin natural elevates your mood and allows you to naturally feel a sense of well being and peace.
Furthermore, simply being away from the chaos, demands, and technology of everyday life and being among Nature gives your brain a mental “rest”, allowing it to literally recharge, reboot, and get ready for the next adventure. You may even find that you’re more efficient and productive at work after spending a weekend without technology and visiting campgrounds!
Exercise
Everyone knows that exercise does the body good, but not everyone is good about getting as much exercise as they should. How many time have you wanted to go to the gym only to make excuses not to because you didn’t want to be surrounded by meatheads and stinky machines? Visiting campgrounds makes exercise easy, natural, effortless, and fun! You won’t even feel like you’re exercising, and that’s the best kind of exercise there is. Hikers can burn as much as 300 calories per hour depending on their activity level. Not bad for a walk in the park! Even spending a day at the beach swimming, playing volleyball, or just walking up and down the shoreline is a great way to incorporate movement into your life.
Soak up the vitamin D
Many people are vitamin D deficient and don’t even know it! Vitamin D is essential to building up your body’s immunity, and for bone and teeth health. The sun is the most abundant source of vitamin D, and soaking it up is a great way to improve your body’s immunity and get the daily recommended amount of vitamin D.
