With today’s busy pace, taking time to relax is a necessity. Living in a crowded city can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Trying to juggle family responsibilities, stressful workplace, social life, and other personal pursuits adds to your stress levels.
When looking for a relaxing getaway, a camping trip is an excellent opportunity to get relief from everyday stresses, deepen your relationship with nature, and get in touch with your true self.
Time spent outdoors has many health benefits, but you can use it to tap into even more positive effects.
The breath is a powerful tool for relieving stress and anxiety. Before even starting with mindful breathing, pay attention to the scents and the quality of air at your campground.
Take a comfortable posture and focus on your breath. Notice the movement of your body with each breath. Most people take short and shallow breaths. Even a few minutes of deeper breaths, all the way to your belly, will help you become more mindful and at ease.
The 4-7-8 breathing technique is designed to reduce anxiety, stress, and help people sleep. And it can become even more effective if you practice it in the great outdoors.
As the warmer weather changes to winter, the snow gives you an opportunity to enjoy frosts, snowflakes, and the snow and trees. Winter provides its own joys and a different mindful experience.
To enjoy them safely, make sure to wear proper gear like a warm, wind-proof winter jacket.
You can easily turn your camping trip into a mindful experience if you go for a walk and foster awareness by engaging your senses so you can gain a heightened sensory perception level.
Smell the surroundings; look for plants, trees, insects, and other wildlife. Listen to the sounds of the outdoors.
This will help you disengage from the distracting thoughts and be in the “now.” Focus on becoming more mindful of yourself and your feelings with each step you take.
Pay attention to your breath as well. As you become more in tune with the way you breathe, you will become more aware of your body, thoughts and feelings, and environment.
This practice will help you stay in the present moment, and gain a sense of calm and serenity.
Relaxation techniques are known for their multiple physical and mental benefits. And practicing them in nature comes with even more rewards.
You can practice meditation, autogenic training, guided imagery, and yoga while on your camping trip. The yoga positions bring more than physical strength, balance, and flexibility. They also lead to a more relaxed state of mind.
When surrounded by magnificent natural scenery, your yoga sessions or other relaxation practices will increase the production of “happy hormones” and take your activity to another level.
While on a camping adventure, you can try meditative mindfulness in more tranquil surroundings and reap even more benefits this practice offers.
This practice is also known as earthing and is considered to have a therapeutic effect on humans. It refers to activities that “ground you,” or in other words, allow you direct contact with the Earth beneath.
According to emerging scientific research, direct physical contact with the electrons on the Earth’s surface can have a positive effect on human health. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle has separated us from such contact.
Reconnection with the Earth’s electrons has been found to improve mood, promote sleep quality, and reduce chronic fatigue. It can also reduce inflammation, blood pressure, chronic muscle, and joint pain.
So use your time in the campsite to walk or sit barefoot, or lay on the ground to increase your contact with Earth.
