Why Camping and Nature Boost Mental Wellbeing
Day 23 of 30
As a dedicated mental health advocate and counsellor, I’ve come to value just how powerful open, honest conversations about mental health can be. This November, I’m embarking on a 30-day writing journey, sharing a new mental health article each day, not only to raise awareness but to raise funds for Movember.
As a counsellor, I spend much of my time listening to others, holding space for their stories and challenges. It’s fulfilling work, but like many of you, I need to prioritise my own mental health. This weekend, I’m packing up my camping gear, leaving the hustle behind, and heading into the great outdoors. No phone, no emails—just fresh air, trees, and the sounds of nature. This personal decision to unplug serves as a reminder of the profound impact nature can have on our mental well-being.
Over the years, I’ve discovered how deeply the natural world can restore balance, reduce stress, and help us reconnect with ourselves. Whether it's a short walk in the park or a weekend camping trip, spending time in nature is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve mental health.
The Science Behind Nature and Mental Health
Science supports the healing power of nature, so it is not just anecdotal. Studies consistently show that spending time outdoors can:
Reduce stress: Exposure to green spaces lowers cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress.
Boost mood: Sunlight increases serotonin, a key hormone for regulating mood and happiness.
Improve focus: Nature helps counter mental fatigue, improving concentration and creativity.
Lower anxiety and depression: Regular exposure to natural environments has been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
For those of us living in urban environments, reconnecting with the natural world can feel like a rare treat. But even small, intentional steps—like a daily walk or a plant-filled workspace—can make a difference.
Unplugging: A Modern Need
This weekend, my camping trip isn’t just about enjoying nature; it’s about unplugging from technology. Like many of you, I’m often tethered to my devices. While they keep us connected and informed, they also add to the noise in our minds.
Research highlights how constant connectivity contributes to stress, anxiety, and burnout. By stepping away from screens, we allow our minds to rest, refocus, and recalibrate.
Unplugging doesn’t have to mean a full camping trip. Start with manageable steps:
Set aside tech-free hours each day.
Leave your phone at home during a walk.
Practice mindfulness in a garden or green space.
When I’m out camping, I leave my devices behind. This practice reminds me how much clarity and peace come from being fully present in the moment.
Nature as Therapy
For many of my clients, I suggest exploring nature as part of their self-care routine. This doesn’t have to mean hiking mountains or wild camping. Nature therapy is about engaging with the outdoors in a way that feels accessible and enjoyable to you.
Here are a few ways to integrate nature into your mental health care:
Forest Bathing
Originating in Japan, forest bathing—or Shinrin-yoku—involves immersing yourself in a natural environment. Take slow, mindful walks, focusing on the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
Gardening
Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony, caring for plants can be incredibly therapeutic. It provides a sense of purpose and connection to life cycles.
Outdoor Exercise
Combine the benefits of physical activity and nature by taking your workouts outside. A jog by the beach or yoga in the park can rejuvenate both body and mind.
Mindful Observation
Sit quietly outdoors and observe. Watch the clouds, listen to the birds, or feel the texture of grass under your hands. This practice fosters mindfulness and reduces stress.
Finding Balance: My Experience
As a gay man and a counsellor, I’ve seen how work pressures and personal challenges can take a toll on mental health. For me, nature has always been a sanctuary—a place to breathe, process, and simply be.
This weekend, as I sit by a campfire and watch the stars, I’ll be practicing what I often preach: the importance of stepping back to care for oneself. It's these moments of reconnection that fuel my ability to support others in their journeys.
I encourage you to find your own way to reconnect with nature, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. The benefits, as I’ve learnt, are immeasurable.
The Nature Takeaway
Nature offers us a break from the chaos of modern life. It grounds us, heals us, and reminds us of our connection to the larger world. For those struggling with mental health challenges, the outdoors can be a gentle yet powerful companion in recovery.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to load up my car and head for the hills. Whatever your weekend looks like, I hope you find a moment to breathe, unplug, and reconnect with yourself.
Let nature work its magic.
These articles tackle vital topics related to mental well-being, many of them drawn directly from my own experiences and insights gained through my work in Bent Couch Counselling.
Movember’s mission is to support men’s mental health, address prostate and testicular cancer, and prevent suicide, which is a cause close to my heart. My personal connection to Gay Fathers Worldwide has encouraged me to raise $10,000 as part of Movember. I encourage you to donate here to an incredible cause.
By sharing personal perspectives and strategies over these 30 days, I hope to foster deeper understanding and connection around mental health issues. This project is about more than just reading or writing; it's about taking action.
I hope sharing my experience can be a guide, perhaps even a comfort, for others on a similar path.
