![Camping Content](https://cdn.magzter.com/Men's Fitness/1690452417/articles/E34aJg9Lu1690521011780/Dr-Coventry-Camping-Nurtured-by-nature-Rock-climbing-Canoeing.jpg)
In 2022, UK residents took an estimated 16.7 million camping and caravanning trips. It's a classic British holiday: a back-to-basics experience that encourages simplicity and self-reliance.
With dual cost-of-living and environmental crises continuing to take their toll, camping's popularity is continuing to rise. And research recently conducted by Liverpool John Moores University and Sheffield Hallam University found that it has benefits beyond fresh air and its relative affordability - it concluded that camping actually makes us happier.
The study, which included a survey of nearly 11,000 campers and non-campers, assessed individuals' attitudes towards all types of camping.
The researchers wanted to discover how engaging in camping impacts people's stress levels, happiness and overall wellbeing. For those who camp regularly, the positive findings are unlikely to come as a surprise.
The report discovered that 97% of campers participate in the endeavour primarily to feel happy, with 93% saying they value camping for the benefits it provides to their health and wellbeing. Almost half (48%) of campers said they feel happy every day - even when not camping - compared with around one-third (35%) of non-campers. Additionally, 44% of campers were deemed to have 'optimal' mental health, compared with 31% of non-campers; while 88% of camping enthusiasts were found to have higher levels of psychological wellbeing' than their non-camping contemporaries.
Nurtured by nature
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Men's Fitness UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Men's Fitness UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![BALANCING ACT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/_GSNha05G1718963093104/BALANCING-ACT.jpg)
BALANCING ACT
Incorporate balance training into your routine to sharpen skills, reduce injury risk and boost overall performance
![TIMING IS EVERYTHING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/aKtZhD2cG1718963010704/TIMING-IS-EVERYTHING.jpg)
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
KICKSTART YOUR DAY Seven concrete benefits of working out in the morning
![RACK RELIEF](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/Sj8zxx3ib1718962762267/RACK-RELIEF.jpg)
RACK RELIEF
Unlock strength and flexibility with these targeted mobility stretches for achieving an optimal front rack position
![MAKE WAVES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/nsLLRhDWf1718962622060/MAKE-WAVES.jpg)
MAKE WAVES
Tackle this full-body session from record-breaking swimmer Ben Proud
![LIFT BURN REPEAT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/fKP45HUrD1718962219265/LIFT-BURN-REPEAT.jpg)
LIFT BURN REPEAT
Metabolic resistance training (MRT) combines structured circuit training with progressive weights for time-efficient fat loss and muscle growth. World-renowned physique coach Gareth Sapstead has all you need to know
![GOAL DIGGER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/1SjZl_qyL1718961665741/GOAL-DIGGER.jpg)
GOAL DIGGER
SELF-DEVELOPMENT GURU NICHOLAS BUNNEY LAYS OUT A GAME PLAN FOR SETTING ROCK-SOLID GOALS AND CHOOSING GENUINE VALUES OVER QUICK FIXES
![HORMONE HARMONY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/TJ5R-7ZNF1718957703315/HORMONE-HARMONY.jpg)
HORMONE HARMONY
Life coach David Phillips beat depression and found happiness by hacking his neurochemicals - here's how you can do the same
![HOSTAGE TO HERO](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/nyvND2aPS1718957423381/HOSTAGE-TO-HERO.jpg)
HOSTAGE TO HERO
Keith Boyd overcame a heart condition, guerrilla warfare and kidnapping to break a 26-year-old running record
![METATATION](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/p1vmi8myj1718956901330/METATATION.jpg)
METATATION
Headspace XR is the mindfulness and meditation app for use with Meta Quest virtual reality headsets, but is it mind expanding or mind numbing?
![REACH FOR THE SKY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/kY89dHBiK1718956746164/REACH-FOR-THE-SKY.jpg)
REACH FOR THE SKY
Hoka's Skyward X promises that holy grail of running shoes: speed and comfort. But it really shines over moderate-paced miles