How Wild Camping Helped My Mental Health
Introduction: When Nature Becomes Therapy
Life gets overwhelming. Stress builds up, routines consume us, and sometimes you need to hit the reset button. That’s what wild camping has become for me—a way to slow down, reconnect, and breathe.
In this post, I’ll take you through a winter wild camp, how it helped my mental health, and why I believe everyone should give it a try. Whether you’re new to camping or just looking for a way to recharge, you’ll find something here that resonates.
Getting Camp Set Up in the Cold
Choosing My Spot & Setup
At just 5 PM, it was already dark and only 2°C. I picked two solid trees, pulled out my OEX Phoxx 2 V2 tent, and added a tarp for extra cover. Using my jungle rope, I got it up quickly and created a cozy little base.
Setting up in the dark can be a challenge—but it’s also empowering. You learn to rely on yourself.
Fire Preparation & Birch Collection
I gathered fallen birch twigs, perfect for firelighting. A few were damp, but the inner bark made brilliant tinder. Prepping fire materials and laying down dry bundles was part of the rhythm—no rush, just methodical and satisfying.
Cooking & Comfort in the Cold
Fire, Food, and Flavour
With the fire lit using a ferro rod and knife, I settled into the warmth. For dinner, I had a beef casserole with rice, simple but hearty. And yes—dessert was back: chocolate pudding with custard, cooked over the open fire.
Is it gourmet? Maybe not. But food cooked outdoors always tastes better.
Wild Camping Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
You don’t need high-end gear. I started with Facebook Marketplace finds and built my setup slowly. All you need is:
A basic tent or tarp setup
Warm sleeping gear (sleeping bag + mat)
A way to cook hot food
Fire-starting tools
Headlamp and dry layers
Keep it simple. Keep it safe. Start small and grow with confidence.
My Journey with Mental Health
How It All Started
Two years ago, I struggled with depression and body image. I weighed over 22 stone and felt stuck. I tried everything from yoga to meditation, and while they helped, something was missing.
Once I lost the weight, I discovered hiking. Then came wild camping—and that’s when the real healing began.
Why Solo Camps Help So Much
Being alone under the stars gives you time to reflect. I use solo camps to:
Clear my thoughts
Assess my goals and direction
Just be in the moment
That’s where I’ve found the biggest benefits—space to think, away from noise and distractions.
Morning Reflections in the Wild
My Favourite Part of Every Camp
Waking up in the woods is magic. Everything looks different. I boil water for banana porridge and caramel coffee, watch the sunrise, and listen to nature.
There’s something about those quiet mornings that makes everything feel okay again.
Resilience, Mindfulness, and Focus
Simple things like starting a fire or boiling water force you to slow down. You become present—focused on the now, not tomorrow or yesterday.
This builds resilience. Even if it rains, or materials are scarce, solving problems calmly becomes second nature. That’s a skill you carry back into daily life.
Key Takeaways from This Camp
Nature heals. Wild camping lets you reset.
You don’t need expensive gear to start.
Being alone isn’t lonely—it’s powerful.
Routine tasks like fire-starting build resilience.
Mornings in nature are grounding and peaceful.
Final Thoughts: What Does Wild Camping Do for You?
For me, wild camping is more than a hobby—it’s part of my mental health toolkit. It helps me be a better dad, a more focused partner, and a calmer person.
So I’d love to hear from you:
Why do you wild camp? What does it bring to your life?
Leave a comment below. Let’s keep the conversation going—and maybe inspire someone else to take that first step into the wild.
Discover how wild camping helped my mental health in ways I never expected. In this honest and personal video, I take you along on a solo wild camp where I share how nature, hiking, tarp setups, and simply being outdoors became a key part of managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking of trying wild camping for your own mental health, do it. You don’t need expensive gear. Use what you can find. Go safe, go smart, and go into it knowing you might just find peace in the process.
If you’re already a wild camper—leave a comment. Why do you do it? What do you get from it? Let’s show others what this lifestyle is really about.
From a free Facebook tent to the world-class Hilleberg Soulo — my full wild camping tent evolution and what I learned along the way.