Nature has always been a sanctuary for weary souls wanting to escape the chaos of life for a bit. And
there’s nowhere more suitable to do this than in the Sierra amidst the towering pine trees, majestic
Mount Whitney, sparkling Lake Tahoe, and all the other local attractions. It’s almost impossible not to
relax and unwind when you’re surrounded by such incredible natural beauty- and it turns out that
science agrees with this, too.
But camping in the Sierra isn’t just about escaping the hustle and bustle. It’s also about nurturing your
well-being and improving your mental health. Here’s why camping in the Sierra is like hitting the reset
button for your mind.
Reduces Stress
Ever notice how your worries seem to melt away when you’re spending time in nature? Research shows
that spending just 20 minutes outdoors lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) significantly. Now,
imagine what spending a few days can do! The lower your stress levels, the better your mental health,
as prolonged stress can lead to anxiety and depression.
Boosts Your Mood
The crisp mountain air of the Sierra will work wonders on your mood, leaving you feeling calmer and
clear-headed. Add the serotonin-boosting benefits of spending time in the sun, and it’s easy to see why
camping in this area is so good for your mental well-being.
If you’re in the area for a bit of adventure, you’ll also enjoy the endorphin rush of kayaking, climbing,
skiing, snowboarding, or any other exercise you do during your time in the wilderness.
Gets Your Blood Pumping
Even if the only real physical activity you do is setting up your tent and going for a gentle stroll every
day, spending time in the Sierra wilderness requires physical exertion. Exercise is as good for the body as
it is for the mind, and it will give your mental health a boost with minimal effort.
Add a few yoga poses into the mix or some deep breathing exercises and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of
being outdoors for a few days.
Improves Sleep
If you ditch your alarm clock and reset your circadian rhythms by syncing them with the natural cycle of
day and night, you’ll enjoy better sleep, putting you in a better mood. A University of Colorado study
revealed that just 48 hours camping in winter reset the body clock, leading to better sleep patterns.
Additionally, the lack of artificial lights, city noise, TVs, and electronic devices helps your body move
more effortlessly from day to night, and the sound of nocturnal creatures creates a natural lullaby.
Allows For A Digital Detox
Let’s face it—our screens can be overwhelming, and constant connectivity can lead to stress, anxiety,
and even depression. But in the Sierra, there’s no need to be constantly connected, and your phone
should be part of your emergency kit, not your day!
Locking your phone safely away allows you to reduce mental clutter and enjoy a deeper sense of
connection with yourself, those around you, and the great outdoors.
Makes Mindfulness Easy
In the vast open spaces of the Sierra, practicing mindfulness is so much easier. From savoring every
second of a sunrise or sunset to gazing at the starry sky or enjoying the food you’ve cooked over an
open fire, living in the moment comes far more naturally.
Being mindful is good for your mental health as it helps you to become more self-aware, calmer, and
less stressed. It also gives you the space to really respond to your thoughts and feelings and to process
how you feel.
Creates A Sense Of Accomplishment
Setting up camp, navigating trails that take you through Death Valley or around the lakes of Pyramid
Creek, or fishing or making a fire all give you a healthy sense of accomplishment.
There’s something so satisfying about surviving and thriving in the wilderness, and this feeling of
resilience is great for your mental health. It teaches you that you can overcome challenges and that you
should have confidence in your abilities.
Offers Natural Therapy
Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy, harnesses the healing power of the outdoors to help
alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
Over the years, many studies have proven that exposure to natural environments reduces the risk of
psychiatric illness, improves cognition, and promotes overall well-being, so it’s true. Mother Nature does
know best!
Provides Bonding Time
Camping in the Sierra often involves communal activities such as group hikes, shared meals around the
campfire, and storytelling under the stars. These shared experiences forge bonds and foster a sense of
belonging, both of which are essential components of mental well-being.
But it’s not just bonding time with people that aids your well-being, if you have a dog (or other domestic
pet) that you enjoy adventuring with, this is the perfect opportunity. Spending time with a pet improves
your mental health, and emotional support animals are proof of this – but doing so on a camping trip
has even more benefits. You can go for walks, swim, and relax together. Just be sure that wherever
you’re camping in the Sierra allows pets, as not everywhere is pet-friendly.
Gives Your Time To Ground Yourself
When taken literally, grounding is the practice of reconnecting with the earth to promote healing and
improve your mental well-being. When you’re camping, you have plenty of time to let your bare feet
touch the earth, swim in natural bodies of water, or simply enjoy the feeling of the forest or mountains
surrounding you.
You can also take the idea of grounding yourself less literally and simply use the time outdoors to focus
on yourself, your emotions, and your sense of self.
Camping Is The Best Medicine
Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that the wilderness is calling. From stress relief to
soul-stirring moments, camping in the Sierra is like hitting the reset button for your mind. So pack your
bags, leave your worries behind, and let nature work its magic. Your mental well-being will thank you.
