Travel plans thwarted? Stick to Staycations

Travel plans thwarted? Stick to Staycations

 With multiple domestic and international travel plans changing you might be wondering what to do with yourselves, especially with Spring Break around the corner for those in the US

Well a Staycation might be your best solution!

 Simply put a Staycation is a stay at home vacation. Urban Dictionary defines a Staycation as: "a vacation that is spent at one's home enjoying all that home and one's environs have to offer"

 The Staycation might seem like a recent phenomenon but Merriam Webster recently discovered (rather remarkably) the word first appearing in the Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 July 1944, which makes sense when you think about it because it was the final year of World War II; a time of great uncertainty and food rationing.

 The concept of the Staycation may have deep resonance now in 2020 with the Covid19 outbreak, but that doesn’t mean life stops. The show must go on, if not just for your sanity but also that of your family. Remember…

 This too shall pass – Rumi

Nothing beats the great outdoors and camping and there have been many scientific studies to prove so. Further-more in a society ruled by gadgets and Google we have lost a lot of the desire to get outdoors. Especially the younger generation who were born into a world ruled by technology, which brings to mind another recently coined term Digital Detox, a term used for giving yourself a break from technology.

 In my view a Staycation doesn’t limit you to being inside, you can use the yard, a local beach or park or nearby campground, that’s right don’t be afraid to plan a camping trip at your local campsite. Camping can easily be self-contained – in fact given the abundance of natural wonders the world has to offer, some camping industry insiders are expecting an even busier year, as people will be less likely to go abroad and more likely to Staycation.

 So here are FIVE reasons why a Staycation is good for your health that might be of interest to you.

1.  BEING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS IS GOOD FOR YOUR EYES

Did you know by adulthood, one in three people in the United States has myopia aka near-sightedness? Statistics have skyrocketed in recent years, largely due to indoor living and a lot of screen time. Research shows that elementary school students who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop near-sightedness

2. THE OUTDOORS BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

In 2015 researchers from the University of Illinois found that spending time in nature provides protections against a startling range of diseases, including depression, diabetes, obesity, ADHD, heart disease, cancer and many more. How this exposure to green space leads to better health had often remained a mystery, however after reviewing hundreds of studies examining nature's effects on health, an environment and behavior researcher believes the answer lies in nature's ability to enhance the functioning of the body's immune system.

3. BEING OUTDOORS IS NATURES VITAMINS

Vitamin D is essential for good health. It helps us absorb calcium, it prevents osteoporosis, and it reduces inflammation. Although its present in some foods vitamin D, like fish and vegetables, by far the best (and cheapest!) way to get Vitamin D is from daily exposure to sunlight.

4. HUG A TREE AND FEEL FREE

Scientific studies show connection to nature enhances psychological health and well-being. Getting away from stressful environments and into nature-filled experiences like camping is proven to help strengthen relationships, sharing and community making us better people and better equipped to deal with these challenging times!

5. HAPPY CAMPERS

While some people joke that camping leads to divorce, research proves it doesn’t. Researchers in the UK found 97% of campers said camping creates happy memories, while 76% of campers are satisfied with their quality of life compared to just 59% of non-campers

Article written by Jessica Walsh co-founder of Lotus Belle Tents https://www.linkedin.com/in/lotusbelletents/

 At Lotus Belle Tents we have been making and creating great camping memories for over 8 years. We realise that it’s not for everyone so encourage you to try! Share this article with a friend you think could benefit from camping and comment in the comments section we will give away a Lotus Pearl to one of our US, Australian and New Zealand readers

Photo Creds: @portobellotents @youngadventuress 

SOURCES:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150916162120.htm

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-uk-and-worldwide

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5483473/

https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/outdoor-time-good-your-eyes

https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/staycation-date-meaning