May people consider spending time in nature and the outdoors a form of therapy. It not only gives them their much-needed time to unwind and relax, but it also gives them a whole lot of health benefits as a bonus. Being out in the sunshine, surrounded by greenery and fresh air alone can leave you feeling refreshed.

So get your gear out, plan a trip and remember these awesome reasons why camping is good for your health:

Fresh Air

Did you know that about 30 million people in the United States alone are affected by breathing-related problems? Experts say that air pollution is the number one cause. When you spend time in the woods, surrounded by trees, the air quality is immediately improved because there’s less pollutants.

Exposure to fresh air is linked to better body function and improvement of moods!

Sun Vitamin

Exposure to sunlight is a must for everyone. We all need a healthy dose of Vitamin D, which we can only get if we spend time outdoors under the sun. Vitamin D is linked to the prevention of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

When you camp, you are exposed to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight combined with the absence of artificial lighting is known to help reduce stress, restabilize your vision and boost your energy levels.

Better Sleep

Sure, new campers find it hard to sleep soundly in a tent. But with a few more trips using a good sleep system, you’ll get the hang of it eventually. And once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy restful sleep every time you go camping.

Your sleep cycles and natural circadian rhythm will improve because you are exposed to less digital devices, electricity and other distractions.

Exercise

Let’s face it, even if you have no outdoor activities planned, a camping trip alone engages your muscles and encourages physical activity. Setting up your tent, building a campfire, loading and unloading your gear keeps you moving your body!

Peace of Mind

When you talk about overall health, it’s not only about the body – you should have a healthy mind, too. Spending time in a quiet environment and connecting with nature promote nothing but a healthy and happy mind.

You are able to forget about stress and your routine, connect with yourself, be inspired and re-focus your priorities.

So the next time someone asks you why you love to camp – tell them these reasons why camping is good your health!