Fresh air, peaceful surroundings, and the bliss of disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of everyday life; nature can have profound, transformative effects on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven society, it’s more important than ever to designate time in the great outdoors.
Between our cell phones, smart TVs, streaming platforms, and apps for everything, it has become far too easy to disengage from the natural world. But research tells us that spending time outdoors can have profound beneficial effects on our well-being. And I bet last time you chose to take a walk rather than scroll on your phone, you didn’t regret it.
A walk is sure to do you good, but to reap the benefits of Mother Nature, a full weekend immersed in what She gave us can be transformational. And we can do you one better. Imagine a weekend awash in the healing power of the great outdoors, but in a way that doesn’t sacrifice cozy beds, and creature comforts. The health benefits of being outdoors are multitudinous. Glamping at Naturluxe & Stars enhances the experience, amplifying those benefits and helping you get even more out of each one.
Connect with Nature, Glamp in Comfort
Glamping at Naturluxe & Stars provides the ultimate backdrop to a weekend reconnecting with the natural environment. You can do it the hard way, lugging camping gear to a campsite, pitching a tent, cooking over a fire, and sleeping on the ground. Traditional camping gets you in touch with nature, but the stress of all the planning, packing, and setup is sure to cancel out some of those health boosts. What if you could get all the health benefits of a camping trip without all the hard work? What if you could simply, show up? Breathe in the fresh forest air, gaze at the starlit canopy, and be overcome with a sense of peace and tranquility in a luxury campsite that is set up for you. Escape the stress of daily life and simply enter a space of rejuvenation and connection.
Imagine how much better you’ll be able to reap these health benefits:
1. Boost Physical Health
In their 2020 review, The National Institutes of Health “found evidence for associations between exposure to nature and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep.”
The fresh air, abundant greenery, and natural surroundings of the Finger Lakes region provide the perfect setting for engaging in health-boosting physical activities. Whether you hike the scenic trails of Watkins Glen, kayak on peaceful Seneca Lake, or simply take a stroll on the picturesque glamping grounds, you’ll be engaging in cardiovascular fitness, strengthening muscles, improving balance and coordination, and enhancing your overall physical well-being. Not to mention the boost in vitamin D provided by natural sunlight, which supports bone health and immune function. Even more rad? In his article for Yale Environment 360, Jim Robbins writes that through the Japanese study of “forest bathing”, researchers “suspect aerosols from the forests, inhaled during a walk, are behind elevated levels of Natural Killer or NK cells in the immune system, which fight tumors and infections” (Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health).
Healthcare professionals around the country recognize the healing power of nature. So much so that many are prescribing time outdoors to their patients. Park RX America is an organization that “declares its mission ‘to decrease the burden of chronic disease, increase health and happiness, and foster environmental stewardship, under prescribing Nature during the routine delivery of healthcare by a diverse group of healthcare professionals.’ The organization has 10,000 parks in its ‘prescribing platform’” (Robbins).
The combination of physical exertion, natural elements, and the healing power of nature work synergistically to invigorate your body and promote a healthier, more active lifestyle.
But time outside packs a major mental health punch as well.
2. Enhance Mental Well-being
Spending time in nature has been linked to improved mental well-being. Robbins writes “Time in nature — as long as people feel safe — is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.”
It also improves symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and lessens feelings of aggression. “Attention Restoration Theory (ART) posits that the mental fatigue associated with modern life is associated with a depleted capacity to direct attention. According to this theory, spending time in natural environments enables people to overcome this mental fatigue and to restore the capacity to direct attention” (Jiminez).
Nature can remarkably reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Because you can broaden your focus, your mind and body can more easily relax. Being in nature encourages a state of mindfulness, where you can fully engage in the present moment. There have even been studies that demonstrate how anxiety about climate change can be quelled with time in nature. Away from the distractions of technology and modern life, you can focus on the beauty around you, engage your senses, and cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for the here and now.
At Naturluxe & Stars, we put in the effort to create cozy, luxuriously furnished tents where you can unwind, stress-free, amidst the tranquil beauty of the Finger Lakes. Camping here gives you the full restorative health benefits of nature while every tent is meticulously designed with resplendent furnishings and everything needed to ensure exceptional comfort and peace of mind. It allows for a break from the constant stimuli of modern life, fostering mental clarity, and promoting a sense of balance.
3. Improve Sleep Quality
If you’ve ever slept under the stars, you’ve experienced the restorative power of a good night’s sleep. The absence of city lights and noise pollution creates the perfect conditions for a restful slumber. Away from the distractions of screens and daily responsibilities, you can truly relax while the time you spent outside exposed to natural sunlight gives your body the cues it needs to fall asleep. And if you spent a day exploring Watkins Glen or enjoying water sports on Seneca Lake, the extra exercise also improves your ability to fall asleep. Imagine easily drifting off to sleep after a packed day of outside activities, lulled to sleep by a gentle breeze, bundled up in a plush bed and linens. You will feel completely refreshed and revitalized in the morning.
4. Nurture Social Connections
Naturluxe & Stars not only provides a serene environment for personal reflection but also fosters opportunities for social connection. Engaging in outdoor activities and communal spaces allows you to bond with friends, family, or fellow glampers, all of which have been shown to improve both mental and physical health. Whether it’s sharing stories around the campfire or embarking on a group adventure, our glamping resort offers a platform to nurture meaningful connections and create lasting memories.
Immerse Yourself In Nature, Better Your Health
To reap all of these incredible benefits, you need to do more than a quick walk around the block. Studies show that you need to be more fully immersed and interact more deeply with your outdoor surroundings. There also needs to be a minimum of two hours per week spent outside to be able to feel all of these positive outcomes.
Naturluxe & Stars gives you the ultimate opportunity immerse and engage with nature. Take a private moonlit shower with double shower heads for the ultimate under-the-stars, rejuvenating experience. Embark on a scenic hike through Watkins Glen State Park. Spend time with friends around the campfire. Dip your toes in a babbling brook or watch the sunset on Seneca Lake. These activities not only promote physical well-being but also allow you to fully immerse yourself in the healing power of the outdoors.
Embrace the Healing Power of Nature at Naturluxe & Stars
Nature has an incredible ability to nourish our bodies, minds, and souls. By glamping at Naturluxe & Stars in the Finger Lakes, you can fully experience the health benefits of being outdoors. From reducing stress and anxiety to enhancing physical fitness and fostering social connections, the healing power of nature is well within reach.
“Nature is not only nice to have, but it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive functioning” (Robbins). So book your stay at Naturluxe & Stars Glamping Resort and allow yourself to be embraced by the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.
Sources:
Jimenez MP, DeVille NV, Elliott EG, Schiff JE, Wilt GE, Hart JE, James P. Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 30;18(9):4790. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18094790. PMID: 33946197; PMCID: PMC8125471.
Robbins, Jim. https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health
