Psychologist names easy exercise that’s nice for our psychological well being
Nine in 10 UK adults who go camping describe themselves as “happy campers” – a psychologist has explained how camping could support your mental health and wellbeing
The great outdoors has always helped us reset(Image: Getty)
To some it’s battling with tent poles and waking with an aching back, but a psychologist told the Express how camping can seriously benefit our mental health. And research appears to support her assertions as a new study reveals that 90% of UK adults who venture into the great outdoors describe themselves as “happy campers”.
The survey of 2,000 adults, by The Camping and Caravanning Club as it marks its 125th anniversary, asked what advantages they felt they gained from pitching a tent or parking a caravan on a staycation break or European adventure. ‘Fresh air’ was cited as the top benefit (74%), followed by enjoying our nation’s beauty spots (65%) and stargazing or watching the night sky (55%).
However, others said they felt it boosted their mental health by simply spending more time chatting to each other (35%), escaping from social media (34%) and unwinding with loved ones (34%).
Psychologist Dr Sophie Mort said camping can strengthen relationships because it eliminates many of the distractions and stresses of everyday life.
Camping can help deal with burnout(Image: Getty)
She said: “When we’re away from screens, work pressures and daily routines, we’re more likely to have meaningful conversations, share experiences and form deeper connections with those around us.”, reports the Express.
“So many of us are burned out, stressed out and even talked out right now.
“Camping gives everyone a task, putting up the tent, unrolling the sleeping bags or getting the stove going for tea, so people can be together without the pressure of more talking and dissecting.
“It’s often in those low-stakes, side-by-side moments that conversation starts to flow naturally.”
The study revealed camping as one of the rare holidays where Brits genuinely disconnect from daily life.
A whopping 92% of campers confessed they spend over two hours less on their mobiles when out in the wilderness.
Almost half (46%) reckon camping aids them in switching off more effectively than other holiday types.
Over a third felt it makes them feel more at one with nature (35%) and helps them savour simple pleasures (35%).
Caravan and camping holidays get us back in one with nature(Image: Getty)
More than one in three adults (34%) said it brings people together more than any other type of holiday, while 32% believe it fosters better conversations than staying in a hotel.
Partners were voted the nation’s top camping companions (63%), followed by children (46%), mates (37%), pets (17%) and parents (12%).
Nearly one in 10 admitted they relish sleeping under the stars solo.
Sabina Voysey, director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club, stated: “While destinations and travel trends may have changed over the decades, the things people love most about camping have remained remarkably consistent, spending time outdoors, sharing experiences with loved ones and creating memories that last a lifetime.
“Whether it is waking up to birdsong, cooking breakfast outside, stargazing at night or simply having proper conversations without the distractions of everyday life, camping offers something many people are clearly craving.
“It is simple, sociable and memorable, and this research shows why so many people continue to see camping as one of the best ways to spend quality time with the people who matter most.”
However, camping isn’t without its downsides, with poor weather (58%), and insects and bugs (53%) cited as the main annoyances.
Leicester was unveiled as Britain’s most content city for campers, with 94% of locals describing themselves as happy campers.
TOP THINGS BRITONS LOVE ABOUT CAMPING:
1. Fresh air – 74%.
2. Beautiful scenery – 65%.
3. Stargazing / watching the night sky – 55%.
4. Enjoying seeing a sunset – 41%.
5. Waking up surrounded by nature – 41%.
6. Spending more time talking to each other – 35%.
7. Spending quality time with loved ones – 34%.
8. Getting away from social media – 34%.
9. Walking or hiking nearby – 32%.
10. Slower pace of life – 31%.
11. Eating breakfast outdoors – 31%.
12. Being close to beaches, lakes or countryside – 28%.
13. Having a hot drink outside – 26%.
14. Sleeping in a tent – 26%.
15. Morning birdsong – 26%.
* To celebrate its 125th anniversary, The Camping and Caravanning Club is offering summer deals from £17.50 on selected campsites. Visit https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/offers/.
