The Joys of Solo Camping: Three Things to Do While Relaxing in Nature Alone
Camping with friends is always fun, but going it alone just hits differently. Taking yourself away from the high-octane pressures of daily life and surrounding yourself with nature is one of the most therapeutic things you can do, and having spent many a night under the stars, I’m here today to inspire you to do the same!
In this short article, we’ll go through three of my top things to do when camping solo.
Writing
Writing can encompass many things, and whether it’s writing music, stories, or journaling, basking in the warm glow of the evening sun is one of the best ways to get inspired.
I like to write fiction on my solo camping nights; it’s amazing what the mindful silence can do, and with the usual daily chatter in my head quelled for the evening, I slowly but surely get down some of my best ideas for stories. I also like to bring my guitar along for the same reason – there’s no better backdrop to write a few bars and figure out a new melody that’s been stuck in my head.
If you journal, solo camping also represents a great opportunity to take a step back, unwind from the week before, and get your thoughts out of your head and onto the page.
Be Adventurous
While I love picking a great spot to hunker down for the day, sometimes, it’s better to spend your time exploring and fully immerse yourself in the nature around you. It’s a great opportunity to dig deep and learn the lost art of survival – you could take the space to learn about and spot rare animal species, forage for edible plants, learn the layout of the stars, and whatever else interests you.
In today’s fast-paced modern world, most of our core survival instincts have become largely unnecessary – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t highly rewarding to rekindle them. To do so is a great way to reconnect with yourself and with the planet you live on.
Practicing Mindfulness
So far as embracing better mental health, there’s no greater place to be than in nature. It provides the ultimate environment to be mindful – the practice of taking a non-judgemental focus on the world around you and being present.
Practicing the ability to be still – to hear the birds, the wind rustling through the trees, the faint crackle of scuttling creatures – does wonders for the mind. The goal is to simply let any thoughts that float through your mind be there, without you placing any judgment on them.
Wrapping Up
Camping – whether done solo or as part of a group – is something everyone should experience. It’s one of the few ways we can rekindle our connection with the natural environment and one of the best methods for disconnecting from a hectic and busy life. Hopefully, this short article has offered you some ideas for how you can pass the time on your next solo trip – and if you’ve never done one before, there’s no time like the present!