I just spent 3 days and 2 nights camping with friends and family. This was not what some would refer to as “glamping”. A spot well hidden by trees was our bathroom. A pile of dry try branches served as our light source when the sun went down. Instead of an evening of watching TV, interesting conversation about how the world was and everything that it still can be with my favorite people served as meaningful entertainment.

With all the changes in my personal and professional life in the past 3 years, I realized that it had been a few years since I spent time in the outdoors. This camping trip reminded me of the health benefits it has to offer.

1. Resetting Circadian Rhythm

Stress and overwhelm can easily throw cortisol rhythm off its course. Unfortunately, stress and cortisol perpetuate one another. There is a tendency to outsmart the system. I often hear patients increase daily caffeine intake with coffee or energy drinks. It does not really matter where the caffeine is coming from; caffeine is caffeine and it is easy to become dependent on it.

The problem: In an effort to stay awake longer to be more productive, caffeine can trigger sleep disturbances and leave you more fatigued. 

You will not need the alarm in the outdoors. Your body has a built-in system that responds to the presence of sunlight to regular sleep and wake times. In my opinion, allowing your body to reset its sleep and wake cycles in response to the fall and rise of the sun is the most effective way to balance cortisol and deal with stress.

2. Self-Care

Public campgrounds often come with very limited cell service. This is what makes the camping experience frustration and unappealing for many. I (on the other hand) enjoy it. Being outdoors without access to phone, text, email, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook (just to name few) provides a golden opportunity for introspection.

When we are not distracting by every notification received, we can really check in on how we are feeling. We can identify our true hunger cues and feed when our body needs it (as opposed to boredom). We can identify unique symptoms of fatigue and what our body truly needs to feel more refreshed. We can identify behaviors (i.e. nervous tics) that are early signs of stress and anxiety. Awareness is a critical step for healing and it takes a considerable amount of introspection.

3. Rekindle Relationships

Planning to spend time outdoors is not for everyone. To ensure a memorable experience, I am selective of who I would camp with. This is one of the reasons for why camping can be such an intimate experience. I find that engaging in deep conversations with important people in my life without any distractions reminds me of what is important life: health, family, and a sense of purpose in life.