Camping trips proven to be beneficial for mental health

There are a lot of different ways of taking care of mental health, but did you know camping holidays are one of them? Between busy schedules, competing priorities and the demands of everyday life, it can often be challenging to take the time to focus on our mental health. On World Mental Health Week, however, we are encouraged to do exactly that.

We’ve all heard of the phrase ‘happy campers’, but it turns out the urban myth actually has a lot of truth behind it.

READ MORE: Rise and Rise of RV’ing: Benefits of a motor home as a travel choice

Research from Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s ‘Real Richness’ report has revealed those who regularly go caravan and camping are not only happier, but also more satisfied, optimistic and energised than those who do not go camping.

Data collected throughout the report demonstrated:

• 96% of campers believe that camping can make you happier
• 95% of campers believe that camping reduces stress
• Campers are less bored, frustrated and lonely than non-campers

Camping has also been proven to be beneficial for relationships, with 85% of campers feeling closer to their spouse or partner compared to 65% of non-campers.

Trips in nature offer a chance to disconnect from technology and enjoy a stress-free break from busy day-to-day life, with 94% of campers believing that camping creates happy memories.

Not only do trips make campers happier, they also give people an opportunity to connect with themselves and their feelings, with 53% of women and 44% of men strongly agreeing that camping trips enabled them to gather their thoughts.

So there you have it- caravan and camping trips really could be the secret ingredient to improving your health and happiness!