Caravanning and Mental Health

World Mental Health Day took place on the 10^th of October this year. Once again it was successful in raising awareness of the different types of mental health conditions that a person can suffer at any given time. Currently, 1 in 4 adults will suffer from a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression at some point in their life.
Studies have shown that being around nature can benefit both mental and physical wellbeing by improving a person’s mood, reducing feelings of stress and encouraging people to be more active.

Recently, new research has shown that at least a third of UK residents felt that going on a camping or caravanning trip had a very positive impact on their mental health. They felt that being around nature had a great impact on how they were feeling, as well as boosting relationships with their family. A recent government study has found that people who spend more time taking walks and visiting nature are significantly more likely to report good health and higher psychological wellbeing than those who don’t visit nature at all. Spending time outdoors is now being encouraged as an NHS recommendation for patients experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety. This is being backed by the UK public as at least 70% of people believe that outside therapy should be prescribed to people suffering from depression and anxiety.

A large survey of people revealed that the majority of the UK public believes that the best way to experience nature is during a caravanning holiday. The majority of the survey believed that a caravan holiday was family-friendly, affordable and 93% of people said they found their caravan holidays calming.

Katie Fishwick from Specialised Covers said: “It’s great to see how many people are getting behind the healing benefits of outdoor therapy, and perhaps if it was prescribed, people would take more time to connect with the outdoors. Caravanning and camping are shedding their out-dated reputations and rightfully being seen as a wonderful way of relaxing, switching off, and connecting with ourselves and our families.” 

Caravanning is a great way to escape from technology, work pressures and the stresses of everyday life. Do you need inspiration for where to go on a caravan holiday? We regularly update our blog with our favourite caravan sites in the UK! 

Find out more here!