Other Health Benefits of Camping-panergy

If improved sleep isn’t enough to make you pack your bags and grab a tent, camping also benefits your health in other ways. For instance, being in nature is beneficial for your mood and mental health. University of Michigan researchers found that even just a few minutes in nature may reduce the symptoms of depression.

(2) Likewise, researchers at Stanford University found that time outdoors helps reduce obsessive negative thinking, or rumination. 

Other Natural Ways to Improve Sleep

Taking a week-long camping trip — or even a weekend trip — isn’t feasible for everyone. Luckily, there are a number of other ways to naturally improve your sleep.

Avoid electronics in bed. Watching TV or working on your laptop in bed tricks your brain into thinking that your bed is a place of work and not a place of rest. Watch your nighttime shows in the living room and settle into bed with a relaxing book a half an hour or so before bedtime instead.

Adhere to a regular sleep schedule. This helps keep your circadian rhythm in check. You’ll find it becomes easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

Exercise in the morning. The rush of endorphins you feel after working out is great — until it’s the reason you can’t fall asleep at night. Working out in the morning helps balance hormone levels without sacrificing your sleep.

Expose yourself to the natural light cycle — or recreate it. If you have to stay inside for most of the day, sitting next to or being next to a window will help keep you on a natural cycle. You can also adjust your indoor lighting according to the time of day by using a light box early in the morning and dimming your lights as the sun goes down at night to mimic outdoor lighting. Try to dim your lights at least 30 minutes before going to sleep.

Avoid eating sugary sweets, simple carbs, juice or high-glycemic fruit. This is true especially right before bed. It can spike blood sugar, boost your energy and can make you wake up feeling hungry. Instead, try a small amount of protein with vegetables or complex carbohydrates; these foods can boost melatonin and help you fall asleep quicker.