Camping: The Perfect Excuse to be in the Company of Nature

What would life be like if not for the simple pleasures and adventures? We barely seem to notice the threat modern lifestyles pose to our overall well-being. Though the great dependency on electronics was primarily meant to simplify our daily schedules, it’s certainly turned them topsy-turvy, imposing sedentary lifestyles both at work and at home. Humans and nature have always been inseparable since nature has been the source of food and water so it’s impossible to deny that sort of connection even nowadays. Time spent outside is much better than time spent in an enclosed space. Next time you feel like sitting at home lounging by the TV all day, choose nature instead.

I must say it took me a while to realise all this since we all get carried away with the piles of work we get to do every day. No matter how much I tried to make way for running and turn it into a healthy habit, either I’d get some more important obligation (or so I wanted it to seem), or I’d get a sprained ankle or knee ache stopping me from a nice workout session, until one day I got the answer. Being nostalgic about the past got me into reminiscing about my happy childhood days, out camping with my family and that’s how camping found its way back into my life.

I was surprised of how much more leisure time I got with no excuses that would make me rather stay at home, not even work tasks. However, if you want to make the most of this adventure, you have to know organisation is key. Take it from me, I’ve had lots of trials and errors to get to the level of a skilled camper, packing all the lamps, batteries, scissors, towels, toiletries, matches, blankets, trash bags, first aid kit and what not. Now, I wouldn’t call myself skilled if not giving you this word of advice: pay attention to food. No matter whether you’re out with your own campervan or tent, having a functional space for all the cooking is essential therefore you have to get the right bits and pieces of a camp kitchen, from a can opener to a stove. Take it from me, camping isn’t the least bit enjoyable if not for the right (properly cooked) food. There’s no fun when you have a stomach growling from hunger.

That’s not to say you have to carry everything that you have at your kitchen at home, but at least have the needed utensils, plates and pots so you have a decent meal. Oftentimes we are fooled into thinking disposable is the way to go so you’d pick completely compostable utensils, ones made of wood, or you’re going to end up with ones that are made of plastic, either way you end up harming the environment without even being aware of it, which is why it’s better to go for the regular tableware. As part of your camp kitchen, it’s good to have a camp cooker or a stove, plus store your ingredients in containers – that will keep them fresh. The trick to having mouthwatering meals is to plan ahead what you’re going to eat. You don’t know what you’re missing if you haven’t tried outdoor-made pancakes.

Creating a list can be of immense help, preventing forgetfulness and serving you for other upcoming camping trips. This way it won’t take you long to get in the camping game and choose bonding time with family and friends in the great outdoors. Nature can help nourish us body and soul, so it’s always the right time to choose it as the perfect companion.