Sleep Under the Stars

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few are dirt” –  John Muir

People have been camping in national parks for over 100 years¹. The tradition has a low barrier to entry and immerses you in nature. As a perfect way to unplug from technology, it is no surprise it continues to be a popular past time.

Outdoor activities such as walking through forests or playing in nature have been shown to enhance mood and focus. Additionally, significant improvements in self-esteem, attention, and cognitive capacity occur with physical activity in the great outdoors². Nothing accomplishes being surrounded by nature better than camping. Setting up a campsite and starting a fire is a great way to disconnect from tech and practice your survival skills. It is also an easy way to spend time with friends or to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.

One of the great joys of nature is observing wildlife. Animals are more active at night, increasing their nocturnality by an average factor of 1.36 in response to human disturbance³. The idea is to observe rather than disturb – you are a guest in their home, after all. Technology provides some great ways to do this in the form of wildlife cameras or night vision goggles⁴. Night vision not only allows you to (more) safely move around in darkness, but allows you to watch wildlife without shining around harsh light or spooking them. Be comfortable in the dark – whether you have a flashlight or not, the animals already know you are there⁵.

Never been camping before? Not a problem, it is easy to start and provides options for all levels of comfort⁶. Not a tent person? Rent a cabin. Not a rustic type? Try glamping.  Have no interest, whatsoever? Then have a fire pit in your backyard. No matter which you choose, leave your phone in the car or in the house. Put chairs around the fire and unroll your sleeping bag with blankets, and enjoy the wildlife and scenery around you. Take only memories and leave only footprints⁷.

Action: Plan a camping trip and go and/or have a fire pit night.

Further Reading:

1. Why Camp?
2. The Relationship between the Physical Activity Environment, Nature Relatedness, Anxiety, and the Psychological Well-being Benefits of Regular Exercisers
3. The influence of human disturbance on wildlife nocturnality
4. RS Recommends: The Best Night Vision Goggles for Camping
5. Animals Use Brain Tricks to See in the Dark
6. Beginners Guide to Camping | Essential Camp Gear, Tips & More
7. Make memories, take photos and leave only footprints