Oftentimes, I am so caught up with needing to make plans while camping that I forget my whole intention was to be able to go on my trip and relax. Don’t get me wrong, being able to bring a boat with me or to go on a hike is a great time and I will continue to do so. On the other hand, I still find myself feeling like I need to take more time for myself. Going outside can be therapeutic and I think a lot of us get so wrapped up with the need to feel like we are accomplishing something that we forget to stop and smell the roses.
If you encounter this same issue, then it may be helpful to force yourself into a position where you are more or less “required” to relax. The first step I always take is to turn my phone off and put it in the car. It is absolutely ridiculous how many times I will catch myself trying to check my emails or texts while I go camping. I highly recommend that once you’ve “unplugged” that you take a walk and just allow yourself to take in the area around you. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience to immerse yourself in nature and not hold yourself to outside obligations. If you’re set up for camping I also recommend kicking your feet up and listening to some music.
It can be so difficult to take time for yourself, which is all the more reason to do so. I have pushed myself to find new places to explore when I get the itch to get away. Taking this time for yourself can do wonders for your mental health. If you have any recommendations for getting outside and unplugging, drop them in the comment section below!
