RV Industry Association staff produced the following white paper about the physical and mental well-being benefits of RVing. The entire report is available on RVIA’s website.
We all need nature. The outdoors has proven health benefits, including relieving anxiety, stress, and depression. Go RVing and the RV industry strongly emphasize that adventure and RVing are for everyone. As more people hit the road in their RV, they, in turn, have even greater access to the health benefits provided by the great outdoors.
There is a growing amount of scientific research that says spending time in nature is critical to health and increases longevity. Spending time in the woods is strongly linked to lower blood pressure and heart rate, as well as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Along with improved cardiovascular health, heading outdoors has other benefits as well, including an improved vision and short-term memory. RV travel, which makes it easier to visit national parks and forests, can play a large supportive role in accessing these benefits.
Along with decreased stress levels, spending more time outdoors has also been shown to reduce levels of anxiety, fatigue, and depression. If you have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), heading outdoors can lift your mood and increase endorphins, especially when paired with exercise. In addition, time spent outdoors can improve confidence, foster relaxation, and provide opportunities to meet other RVers.
Click here to read the full report, with additional links available.