5 ✨amazing✨ health benefits of RVing

There are so many great reasons to embark on RV adventures, not the least of which includes the many health benefits. Though driving around in an RV doesn’t sound like a physically active way to spend your time, the hobby actually promotes a very active lifestyle for people of all ages and abilities. Here are 5 fantastic health benefits you may enjoy from RVing:

1. Outdoor physical activity

Exploring your world by RV opens the door for all kinds of physical activities like hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, and exploring nature in other creative ways. One common goal among American RVers is to visit all of the beautiful US National Parks, which are notorious for excellent and accessible outdoors attractions, including the aforementioned. All of these activities increase the amount of time you spend moving your body, which is great for cardiovascular health, weight management, mood, flexibility, and overall fitness.

These activities also require you to spend more time outdoors, increasing your exposure to fresh air and sunlight. Fresh air can improve your lung function, boost your mood, and improve your body’s ability to obtain and use oxygen. As a natural source of vitamin D, exposure to sunlight is also beneficial for bone health, psychological health, immune function, and more. 

2. Stress reduction

RVing allows you to escape your daily routine and work pressure in favor of more quiet time in nature or doing something you really enjoy. Spending time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, which is another important component for cardiovascular health. Emerging research suggests that stress reduction may play a larger role in cardiovascular disease than we are yet aware. 

If you decide to take a long RV trip, you may find yourself without cell phone service orother screens to entertain you, which may end up being a good thing! Spending time away from the blue light and constant inundation of information associated with screentime may give you the time and focus to really clear your mind. Doing so, uninterrupted by the stressors of daily life, may promote mindfulness and reduce your mental fatigue long after you return to work. Your employers may be delighted to learn that this practice may also improve your productivity in the long-term as well. 

3. Connection with nature 

As we’ve hinted at earlier, just being in natural surroundings can have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being. It may reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Enterprising RVers take in beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and the tranquility of nature, fostering a sense of peace and connectedness while keeping their own space as a homebase. RV camping allows you to enjoy the benefits of both “roughing it” and maintaining creature comforts when you need them. 

Camping in a natural environment away from work and daily stressors may immensely improve your sleep duration and quality, which can enhance your life in a huge way. This is likely linked to circadian regulation from increased sun exposure and the natural “wind-down” at the end of the day as well as immersion in nature itself. Decreased noise pollution and holding yourself to your innate circadian rhythm may lead you to longer, more restorative sleep. And who doesn’t need more of that?!

4. Increased social engagement 

It’s no secret that the RVer community is robust, active, and welcoming to new members. You may find yourself drawn to certain communities online over shared interests, or you may find that designated campgrounds or RV parks where people can connect with fellow RVers fulfills a very important need for shared social experiences. RVing provides a unique opportunity for social interaction, making new friends, and partaking in those experiences together, building lifelong and meaningful friendships. 

Similarly, you may find that the hours spent in your RV help your family bond in ways you never saw coming. The enduring memories of your travels, from seeing amazing scenery to troubleshooting RV hiccups to navigating difficult roads or having to cram in together in the rain…that’s the good stuff that you and your family will cherish for the rest of your lives. 

Social engagement is vital for mental and emotional health. More and more research shows that friendships and other important bonds can help us reduce stress, maintain resilience, and ultimately, live longer. 

5. Mental stimulation 

Visiting new places, experiencing different cultures, and learning about history and nature by RV are all mentally stimulating activities. This type of intellectual stimulation may improve your cognitive function, memory, and creativity as you build resilience to challenges and improve your ability to navigate tough situations on the road. These skills may even translate to improved confidence and decision-making beyond your time on the road, building important cognitive life skills and helping you live longer. 

While RVing offers potential health benefits, it's important to prioritize safety, travel responsibly, and maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road. This article is not intended to be used in place of medical advice, and you should always consult a doctor before making lifestyle and activity changes. 

Ready to reap the health benefits in a motorhome of your very own?

Investing in an RV is a big financial decision, no matter how you dice it. That’s why our friendly and knowledgeable staff is eager to help you choose from our inventory of the highest quality motorhomes produced by top manufacturers. Find a Transwest location near you today, or shop our online inventory and let our experts help you find the perfect RV for you to hit the road and start unwinding for your health today.