In a world buzzing with screens, deadlines, and constant notifications, finding moments of tranquillity can seem like an impossible quest. However, nestled in the serene landscapes of North Devon, lies a secluded oasis where stress melts away and the natural beauty steadies even the most frayed minds. It’s amidst this landscape that the allure of glamping really shines, offering a gateway to a myriad of benefits that nature graciously bestows on us. Glamping, or glamorous camping, allows you to experience the stress-easing power of nature without sacrifice.
Here are some compelling reasons why glamping should be on your bucket list:
Higher Levels of Health & Well-Being
According to a study of over 20,000 individuals, those who spend just two hours per week in natural surroundings report higher levels of health and well-being1. Trade in the sterile confines of an office for 46 acres of woodlands, meadows, and pastures at HARTA retreat. Let birdsong and the gentle trickle of the stream replace the relentless hum of fluorescent lights.
The picturesque coastline with the well-known Southwest Coastal Path and award-winning beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde are just a stone’s throw away. It’s no wonder a seaside mini break has been seen as a cure for centuries!
From experience, North Devon is the perfect place to lose yourself in the rhythm of the waves, let the salty breeze invigorate your senses and get a good dose of fresh sea air, which as suggested by the Lung Health Institute, can improve your overall lung function and decrease sinus pressure.8Â
Beats Stress
Exposure to natural environments reduces stress levels by a staggering 21.3%2. Gently awaken in a luxury glamping tipi to the soothing sound of a trickling stream, letting it wash away your worries. Enjoying a leisurely rainfall shower in the outdoors. And as the stress hormone cortisol takes a nosedive, your body can finally slip into "rest and digest" mode, allowing for much-needed rejuvenation.
Enhances Creativity and Problem Solving Skills
Of course, the benefits of a staycation extend far beyond mere relaxation. Did you know that immersing yourself in nature can enhance your creativity and problem-solving skills by up to 50%?4Â Whether you're sketching the landscape, writing poetry by the pond, gently kayaking on the sea, or simply letting your imagination roam free, the great outdoors provides endless opportunities for discovery and inspiration.
Improves Emotional Well-Being and Pain Tolerance
Moreover, spending time in nature isn't just good for the soul; it's also a powerful remedy for the mind. Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety5. Imagine waking up to the gentle rays of the sun filtering through the trees, feeling a sense of peace and tranquillity wash over you. It's no wonder that patients awaiting surgery who were exposed to nature sights and sounds reported 50% higher pain tolerance6.
A Good Night’s SleepÂ
When did you last have a solid night’s sleep, waking up refreshed? When you were a kid? Data shows that a natural sleep pattern gives you a much better quality of sleep. A glamping break is a great opportunity to find that pattern. The slow rhythm of nature, from early sunshine to gentle sunsets, serves as a cue for the body to find its natural sleep cycle. Research indicates that it takes as little as three nights to adjust to this pattern, allowing glampers to enjoy restful sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and energised.
But perhaps the most magical aspect of glamping is the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and each other. Whether you're stargazing by the fire pit, sharing stories and playing your favourite board games, or embarking on a leisurely hike through the countryside, the bonds forged in nature are unparalleled in their depth and meaning.
In essence, glamping is more than just a getaway; it’s an opportunity to truly decelerate and nourish the soul amidst the beauty of nature. So why wait? Pack your bags, leave your to-do lists behind, and experience the beauty of a slower way at HARTA retreat.
References
1.     White, M., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B., Hartig, T., & Warber, S. et al. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports, 9(1). link ↩
2.     Hunter, M., Gillespie, B., & Chen, S. (2019). Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers. Frontiers In Psychology, 10. link ↩
3.     Kuo, M. (2015). How might contact with nature promote human health? Promising mechanisms and a possible central pathway. Frontiers In Psychology, 6. link ↩
4.     Atchley, R., Strayer, D., & Atchley, P. (2012) Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning through Immersion in Natural Settings. PLoS ONE 7(12): e51474. link ↩
5.     Maund, P., Irvine, K., Reeves, J., Strong, E., Cromie, R., Dallimer, M., & Davies, G. (2019). Wetlands for Wellbeing: Piloting a Nature-Based Health Intervention for the Management of Anxiety and Depression. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 16(22), 4413. link ↩
6.     Diette, G., Lechtzin, N., Haponik, E., Devrotes, A., & Rubin, H. (2003). Distraction Therapy With Nature Sights and Sounds Reduces Pain During Flexible Bronchoscopya. Chest, 123(3), 941-948. link ↩
7.     Shin, J., Parab, K., An, R., & Grigsby-Toussaint, D. (2020). Greenspace exposure and sleep: A systematic review. Environmental Research, 182, 109081. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2019.109081Top of FormBottom of Form
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