In this article, we will be discussing the benefits of backpacking in nature – both for physical health and mental wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Backpacking Relaxes the Mind and Body <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Backpacking](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/07\/Backpaking-relax-mind-and-body.jpg\")
photo via Canva PRO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOne of the things people love most about backpacking in the great outdoors is how much it relaxes the mind and body. As human beings, we want to spend time in nature. We need to spend time in nature. It does our bodies and our minds good to get away from the hustle and bustle or our busy lives and to unwind in the quiet of the countryside or the serenity of the forest<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce upon a time, humans used to spend most of their time in nature – living and working in the wild. However, nowadays a high volume of the population lives in what we often refer to as \u2018urban jungles\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cities like Los Angeles, for example, are hubs of life and energy. However, many people living here (as with many other cities) report struggling with their mental health because of the constant noise and bustle. That\u2019s why many cities, just like Los Angeles, have set up retreats and treatment centres<\/a> where those struggling can seek mental health support.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nOver the years, there have been many studies carrying out research into the benefits of spending time in nature. Cynthia Frantz<\/a>, a professor of psychology and environmental studies at Oberlin College in Ohio, shares how, \u201cspending time in nature has cognitive benefits, but it also has emotional and existential benefits.\u201d Simply spending more time in nature can make you feel more alive, more connected with the world around you, and more relaxed as you consider your place in it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Backpacking Increases Your Physical Stamina <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Backpacking isn\u2019t all smiles and sunny days. It can be hard work. You\u2019ve got to carry everything you need on your back and, depending on whether you\u2019re camping out or not, this can equate to quite a lot of stuff! So, it is reasonable to expect that after a couple of hours trekking you may start to feel a little worn out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is one of the many reasons why people love backpacking – it\u2019s a great way to increase your physical stamina. Exercise that gets you sweating and your heart pumping can leave you feeling a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. What\u2019s more, you can really shed pounds, tone your legs, and increase your heart health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Backpacking Sheds the Pounds <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Backpacking](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/07\/Backpacking-Sheds-the-Pounds.jpg\")
Photo via Canva PRO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nObesity rates in the USA are constantly climbing and in the aftermath of the pandemic, the speed of this increase has only increased. Unfortunately, in the United States, 36.5% of adults<\/a> are considered medically obese and another 32.5% of adults<\/a> are considered overweight. Those shocking statistics tell us that over two-thirds of American adults struggle with their weight. This is concerning for many and is causing a plethora of life-threatening health problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBackpacking, while an enjoyable pastime for many, is a great way to stay fit and active all while doing an activity you love. With hours of walking each day, the weight of a heavy backpack, and the ever-changing natural terrain to follow, you will soon find yourself shedding the pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Backpacking is widely considered a great form of exercise and is typically more strenuous than walking due to the uneven terrain found outside urban environments. If you want to lose weight and get fit, backpacking is a beneficial way to achieve your fitness goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Backpacking Supports Good Bone Health <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another benefit of backpacking is that it supports good bone health. Most of us don\u2019t consider how healthy our bones are day-to-day. However, keeping your bones healthy can reduce your chances of experiencing health issues like osteoporosis and arthritis in the future. And because backpacking is a weight bearing exercise, it is a brilliant way to strengthen your bones and keep your body fit and healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Harvard Health Publishing<\/a>, \u201cnumerous studies have shown that weight-bearing exercise can help to slow bone loss, and several show it can even build bone. Activities that put stress on bones stimulate extra deposits of calcium and nudge bone-forming cells into action. The tugging and pushing on bone that occur during strength and power training provide stress. The result is stronger, denser bones.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Backpacking Reduces Stress <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Backpacking](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/07\/Backpacking-reduces-stress-.jpg\")
photo via Canva PRO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs we mentioned at the start of this article, stress plays a big part in our everyday lives. Whether it\u2019s stress caused by work, family commitments, or something else entirely, the amount of stress our bodies go through on a regular basis can have a big effect on our health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the body becomes stressed, it produces a hormone called cortisol that triggers our fight or flight response. This is why, so often, we want to escape somewhere quiet during times of high pressure. Continuous stress can have a significant impact on mental health, causing many to seek support for mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking time out in nature can provide a great support to those with mental health struggles. Whether you choose to get outside for a walk, a hike or a camping adventure, the simple act of being in nature can have a profoundly calming effect on your mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the things people love most about backpacking in the great outdoors is how much it relaxes the mind and body. As human beings, we want to spend time in nature. We need to spend time in nature. It does our bodies and our minds good to get away from the hustle and bustle or our busy lives and to unwind in the quiet of the countryside or the serenity of the forest<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once upon a time, humans used to spend most of their time in nature – living and working in the wild. However, nowadays a high volume of the population lives in what we often refer to as \u2018urban jungles\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cities like Los Angeles, for example, are hubs of life and energy. However, many people living here (as with many other cities) report struggling with their mental health because of the constant noise and bustle. That\u2019s why many cities, just like Los Angeles, have set up retreats and treatment centres<\/a> where those struggling can seek mental health support.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the years, there have been many studies carrying out research into the benefits of spending time in nature. Cynthia Frantz<\/a>, a professor of psychology and environmental studies at Oberlin College in Ohio, shares how, \u201cspending time in nature has cognitive benefits, but it also has emotional and existential benefits.\u201d Simply spending more time in nature can make you feel more alive, more connected with the world around you, and more relaxed as you consider your place in it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Backpacking isn\u2019t all smiles and sunny days. It can be hard work. You\u2019ve got to carry everything you need on your back and, depending on whether you\u2019re camping out or not, this can equate to quite a lot of stuff! So, it is reasonable to expect that after a couple of hours trekking you may start to feel a little worn out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the many reasons why people love backpacking – it\u2019s a great way to increase your physical stamina. Exercise that gets you sweating and your heart pumping can leave you feeling a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. What\u2019s more, you can really shed pounds, tone your legs, and increase your heart health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Obesity rates in the USA are constantly climbing and in the aftermath of the pandemic, the speed of this increase has only increased. Unfortunately, in the United States, 36.5% of adults<\/a> are considered medically obese and another 32.5% of adults<\/a> are considered overweight. Those shocking statistics tell us that over two-thirds of American adults struggle with their weight. This is concerning for many and is causing a plethora of life-threatening health problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Backpacking, while an enjoyable pastime for many, is a great way to stay fit and active all while doing an activity you love. With hours of walking each day, the weight of a heavy backpack, and the ever-changing natural terrain to follow, you will soon find yourself shedding the pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Backpacking is widely considered a great form of exercise and is typically more strenuous than walking due to the uneven terrain found outside urban environments. If you want to lose weight and get fit, backpacking is a beneficial way to achieve your fitness goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another benefit of backpacking is that it supports good bone health. Most of us don\u2019t consider how healthy our bones are day-to-day. However, keeping your bones healthy can reduce your chances of experiencing health issues like osteoporosis and arthritis in the future. And because backpacking is a weight bearing exercise, it is a brilliant way to strengthen your bones and keep your body fit and healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Harvard Health Publishing<\/a>, \u201cnumerous studies have shown that weight-bearing exercise can help to slow bone loss, and several show it can even build bone. Activities that put stress on bones stimulate extra deposits of calcium and nudge bone-forming cells into action. The tugging and pushing on bone that occur during strength and power training provide stress. The result is stronger, denser bones.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n As we mentioned at the start of this article, stress plays a big part in our everyday lives. Whether it\u2019s stress caused by work, family commitments, or something else entirely, the amount of stress our bodies go through on a regular basis can have a big effect on our health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When the body becomes stressed, it produces a hormone called cortisol that triggers our fight or flight response. This is why, so often, we want to escape somewhere quiet during times of high pressure. Continuous stress can have a significant impact on mental health, causing many to seek support for mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking time out in nature can provide a great support to those with mental health struggles. Whether you choose to get outside for a walk, a hike or a camping adventure, the simple act of being in nature can have a profoundly calming effect on your mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Backpacking Increases Your Physical Stamina <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Backpacking Sheds the Pounds <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Backpacking Supports Good Bone Health <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Backpacking Reduces Stress <\/h2>\n\n\n\n