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RVing affords many opportunities to unwind and free your mind from daily stresses.
Words by Maryanne Paul
Embracing the RV lifestyle can be a journey of well-being. It can provide several benefits to your physical and mental health through social interaction, outdoor recreation, new experiences and places of interest.
Social Interaction
Wherever the highways lead you, there are ample opportunities to forge relationships and strengthen existing bonds within the RV community. Shared campfires, group activities, and community gatherings can result in social connections that play a pivotal role to ensure healthy mental well-being.
Less Stress
According to Harvard Health Publishing (HHP), a consumer health information division of Harvard Medical School, you only need 20 minutes in nature to lower your stress level. So, imagine what a whole weekend or more of camping can do. The fresh air, beautiful foliage, and calming echoes of wildlife can cause cortisol levels to continually decline as long you’re out in a natural setting.
Better Mood
As you immerse yourself in nature, a sense of calm envelops you that can help improve your mood by leaps and bounds. Remember to take several pictures along the way. According to the University of Minnesota's Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, you can enjoy quick mood boosts with each glance at your photos.
Daily Exercise
Camping can be full of physical activities like hiking, swimming, and even through daily tasks like collecting firewood. Physical activity is great for bursting a bad mood, decreasing stress, and improving motivation. Once you get that boost, you’re more likely to continue with the benefits of activities and/or exercise when you return home.
Great Sleep
After a busy day exploring, you’ll undoubtedly return to camp tired and ready for some shuteye. In addition to having tons of energy when you awake, your ability to get a good night’s rest breaks the sleep-worry cycle. With that, you’re less likely to feel irritable, anxious, depressed, or otherwise stressed out.
More Mindfulness
When you step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you give yourself the chance to increase your mindfulness. The natural surroundings allow you to tap into what you think and feel at any moment. You can then use the honest feedback from your psyche to honour your inner feelings and work purposefully on improving your wellness. Mindfulness allows you to sit through anxious thoughts so you can learn how to acknowledge them.
Gain Perspective
Daily life can cause overwhelming feelings alongside seemingly unsolvable problems. By regularly going RVing, the break can help gain perspective about the situations in your life. You can then better navigate potential solutions, allowing the sense of helplessness to dissipate. If you struggle with feelings of stress and anxiety, it’s always best to contact your healthcare provider or local public health unit for resources and support.
Ready to Enjoy All the Benefits of Camping?
By investing in an RV, you can hit the road whenever you want and enjoy all the mental health benefits on the fly. If that’s what you want, feel free to get in touch with our team at Orbit Insurance Services to obtain the RV insurance you require for complete peace of mind. Our team is always available at 844-929-4768 to help you get set up for all your camping adventures.