Getting grounded: camping, nature and mental health

Imagine this:

It is a Friday; you have left work and you are heading out of town to go camping. In your vehicle is your significant other, your pet, your favourite food and beverages, cozy blankets and a warm tent, firewood, games, and good walking shoes. You hit the highway and suddenly you are feeling and smelling the warmth of the campfire and dreaming about hot dogs and s’mores. Then, you start to imagine sleeping outside and breathing in the fresh air and not waking up to an alarm clock tomorrow … suddenly, you begin to relax.

For me and my partner, Mike, this is our entire summer. Our truck is always packed with our camping gear so that we are adventure-ready when we know that we have the weekend off. Our goal is to find someplace quiet, remote, and beautiful. We will often drive until we no longer have cell service, and we relish being disconnected from the world for a time.

For us, connecting with nature in the spring and summer helps us cleanse away the stresses of everyday life.

When we are camping, we try to abide by a few simple rules: adventure, enjoy, rest, and play. 

Adventure: Our brain is nourished by new experiences. Try and seek out a new place to camp or a new hiking trail. A departure from routine renews our focus and sense of excitement!

Enjoy the Outdoors: Spending time outside can help you feel grounded. Breathe fresh air, soak up the sun, get your feet in the grass, and dip your toes in the creek. Enjoy these new sensations and be present with them to clear your mind.

Rest: Take advantage of no distractions to catch up on rest. Have a snooze in the middle of the day or lay down a blanket near a river and read a book. Check-in with yourself and give yourself time to recover.

Play: Found a clean, cool river? Go for a swim. Brought along some cards? Play go fish. Surprised your significant other with a water gun? Soak them. Discover ways to reconnect with your inner child by having fun, laughing, and being spontaneous. 

By following these simple rules and engaging with nature, we alleviate stress and anxiety and gain a renewed sense of clarity and ease that sets us up for our next week. 

Written by Kari Campbell, SOS’s Community Engagement Coordinator