In a world that seems to move at a breakneck pace, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a homebody. The comfort of familiar surroundings and routines had me blissfully unaware of how transformative the great outdoors could be for my mental health. But a global pandemic pushed me outside my cozy bubble and into the wilderness.

Cabin fever was beginning to set in, and we knew we needed a change. That’s when we decided to embrace the beauty of the outdoors. We picked up archery, started hiking more, and took our camping game to a whole new level. Little did I know just how much these adventures would help me tackle the anxiety that had been building up for years, especially during my time in Nursing School.

Nature became my therapy, and the mountains our sanctuary. With each hike and arrow released, I felt a sense of calm and clarity wash over me. Breathing in the fresh mountain air while capturing the beauty of nature and wildlife through my camera lens, or testing my focus with archery, became more than just hobbies. They were lifelines for my mental well-being.

Our most recent camping trip was a turning point. It forced me to confront fears and anxieties, from being alone in the wilderness to being far from emergency help. And, I have to confess, being separated from my beloved dog was a heart-wrenching challenge.

My husband, my rock in this adventure, took on the heavy lifting of planning the trip, with my contribution being a mere 10%. But it wasn’t just about logistics; it was about bonding. Collaboratively deciding what to pack for our journey became a wonderful shared experience.

Ten days in the wilderness may have seemed daunting, with concerns about getting on each other’s nerves, but it was quite the opposite. We learned to communicate, to give space when needed, and to talk through any frustrations. This camping trip wasn’t just an escape; it was a testament to our partnership and our ability to thrive under challenging circumstances.

Jake, my husband, showcased his packing skills, ensuring that our Jeep was loaded efficiently. Every inch of space was used, especially for our substantial gear like the WhiteDuckOutdoors canvas tent and the colossal Yeti cooler stocked with our food supplies. We even brought a second Yeti cooler for ice and dry ice, which remarkably lasted almost the entire journey. Swapping them out during our mid-trip town visits was a genius move.

Our adventure took place in the wilderness from Sunday to Friday, with brief stays in an Airbnb on Friday and Saturday nights before returning to the wilderness on Sunday for another 5 days. This 10-day camping trip was more than just a getaway; it was a transformative experience that helped us grow as a couple and find solace in the embrace of nature.

If you’re intrigued by our journey and want to know more about how we planned, packed, and thrived during our 10-day camping trip, be sure to subscribe to my blog. More adventures and insights are on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share them with you. 🏕️🌲🏹 #NatureTherapy #OutdoorAdventures #MentalHealthJourney