Camping is one of the favourite past times here in Singapore. People go camping out because they want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking or fishing, camping provides an opportunity to totally focus on yourself and your surroundings for a couple of days.
What you probably don’t know is that camping out helps you live a healthier life. If you are a regular camper, or even a first-timer trying a new activity, you will enjoy so many great health benefits, including:
1. Improved Moods
After the trip, you may notice that you feel more energized and generally happier. This is not without merit; doing outdoor activities can reduce the melatonin levels in the brain. Melatonin is the brain chemical that induces the feeling of exhaustion, so by going camping, you’ll feel better during and after the trip.
2. Reduced Stress
Camping, or simply going outdoors, gives you the chance to remove yourself from the stresses of work. Sitting by a lake or in front of a campfire are just a few ways to reduce stress during a camping. Although many of today’s parks and campsites provide WiFi connection, it would be helpful to give yourself some time to be away from technology. When camping, try to avoid checking emails or your Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You will feel much more relaxed when you’re disconnected to the social media.
3. More Oxygen
Oxygen is essential. The extra oxygen from the outdoor environment encourages your body to produce more serotonin (also known as the happy hormone), which improves your brain functions and motor skills almost instantly.
4. Exercise
Perhaps, this is the most evident health benefit of camping. Camping gives you body an opportunity to move more, therefore burning more calories. Especially when yours involves hiking and biking, it burns you even more calories and helps get rid of toxic elements in your system. Activity levels vary, but an hour of hiking can burn between 150 and 300 calories per hour, biking burns 300 to 500, and fishing can burn around 200 calories in an hour.
5. Meditation
As mentioned, when going camping, try to keep off your phone and other technological devices. If possible, leave your tablet and laptop at home. Take advantage of this opportunity to totally take a break and meditate. This is a chance for you to reflect and think things through especially if you have important decisions to make.
Camping is a fun and healthy outdoor activity. The next time you plan for a quick getaway for a weekend, try camping out and experience its health benefits, at the same time enjoying the beauty of nature.
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