Camping trips could be key to improving wellbeing
Mental health is a complex and sensitive topic, and many people find it difficult to have open discussions and share their struggles.
This Thursday, September 12, will mark R U OK? Day, the national day of action dedicated to encouraging Australians to meaningfully connect with people around them and have conversations about mental health.
There are many factors which can contribute to our overall wellbeing, health and happiness, and research from Caravan Industry Association of Australia has found caravan and camping trips can be extremely beneficial.
The Real Richness Report found campers are competitively happier, more satisfied, optimistic and energised than non-campers.
Those who regularly camped were also less stressed, bored, frustrated and lonely compared to non-campers.
- 96% of campers surveyed in the study believe that camping can make you happier
- 85% said camping enables them to gather their thoughts
- 94% believe camping recharges your batteries
- 95% believe camping reduces stress.
“I have a very high stress job that requires me to listen to a lot of terrible stories. Camping and being with my loved ones in nature is the ideal way to switch off for a while for me and also forces me to be a lot healthier – my job is primarily sitting and camping requires a lot of walking and effort usually!” One respondent said.
“We set out 4 years ago to travel full time. At the time, I was in extremely ill health and had just sold a business. My health improved so much I was no longer feeling the consequences of my illness, our lives improved, we loved it,” another added.
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘happy campers’, and it looks like there really is some truth behind it – our happiness, health, and wellbeing can all be improved by getting outside and reconnecting with nature, our loved ones and ourselves on a caravan and camping trip.
