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Relax Thyself, June 27, 2005

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Helpful Camping Articles, Camping Tips and Camping Ideas:

Index

Most Recent Articles
Top 10 camping hazards
Camping Ideas - easy ideas you'll love.
Articles Archive  
Tips Starting a Campfire - Safe and Easy
  Relax Camping - How Stressed Are You?
  A Lazy Solo Camper Tip or Two - SUV and Cabin Camping.
  Remote Camping Fire Prevention Tips before Remote Camping in State Parks
Ideas Work Hard - Play Lazy! Camping Ideas...
  Camping Gift Ideas.
  Explore Texas Camping
 

Relax Thyself, June 2005, Author, TLC Outdoors Magazine.

Franklin D. Roosevelt - 32nd president of the United States once said "Never before have we had so little time in which to do so much". He could not have said it better. Things were chaotic then, but they are even chaotic now. Many of us  try to balance family, work, friends, home etc. in today's fast paced world. Coping with stress is important in order to maintain a healthy mind and body.

What is causing our stress?

  • Adapting to constant rapid change.
  • Handling major life events.
  • Balancing many roles and responsibilities.
  • Being overwhelmed by technology which is designed to help us.
  • Going from one stressful situation to another without a break.

The long term effects of stress are very damaging and can make you become ill or develop mental and/or emotional problems. Some effects of stress are poor concentration, frequent negative thoughts, anxiety, depression, anger, feelings of helplessness, eating poorly, abusing drugs and/or alcohol, showing aggression. If you start feeling any or all the symptoms - your not alone.

I remember during a hectic week at work sitting in my cubical in corporate  thinking "if only I could be at the lake, at my cabin or sitting in my favorite camp chair watching the sunset". Compounding the feeling of being overwhelmed by managing tons of projects, I felt the guilt of daydreaming about my weekend getaway plot on my bosses time. But the truth is, I knew I needed to work in order to be able to take time off. Was I a corporate wimp in over my head? Was my life whirling out of control? Was the pace of life too much for me? I then started to realize that I was missing balance - and an important key to that balance was coping with stress.  The search began...

Never having camped a day in my life up until a 10 years ago, and not having the urge too. A friend asked for me to try it out and tried to convince me at the time that it would be fun and relaxing. The first thing that went through my head was "my goodness - do I have to go to the bathroom outdoors?". Well the answer was yes, but my fear of going outdoors soon faded as I realized it was easier than I thought. Actually, everything was easier than I thought, and I actually enjoyed my first camping trip and found it to be an extraordinary first camping experience. Additionally, I realized that moving forward I could have a stress break in an activity that I enjoyed relatively close to home within budget. All of a sudden most of my weekends consisted of seeking out the best camping adventures and getaways opposed to a my typical downtown city weekend lifestyle. I had unlocked the key to stress relief for me - escaping the city and camping!

Living a healthier life is within reach. Keeping healthy gives you energy to cope with challenging weeks. Think of yourself as a battery needing time to recharge. You've got to have the power to perform. What are some keys to a true downtime and relaxing camping trip? 

  • Get enough sleep

Tip: pack for comfort, not necessarily compact camping.

  • Eat right

Tip: Cook healthy meals on your trip. shop at your favorite supermarket the night before your camping adventure, take your time and identify foods that are healthy and easy to cook.

  • Stay on the move

Tip: exercise helps burn off negative energy you have stored up all week. Do something you enjoy doing like hiking to your favorite bird watching spot, or riding a mountain bike on a scenic trail.

When your camping trip is over, your batteries will be recharged for the beginning of the week. But it's up to you to keep the positive energy flowing. Like anything, an ounce of prevention...maintaining stress from piling up on an ongoing basis is up to you and within your control.

  1. Spring into a good aerobic exercise regime.

    Tip:  Jogging, brisk walking, biking or swimming helps release pleasure producing hormones, strengthens and relaxes muscles and gives you more energy.

     

  2. Coping with stress during the work week requires some ongoing relaxation techniques. 

    Tip: Visualizing peaceful scenes from your camping trip is an effective technique. Additionally, deep breathing is one way to relax tense muscles, focus your energy and helps you to be more productive. Try breathing in easy and slowly, then exhale. Repeat this 4-5 times.

     

  3. Maintain a healthy diet.

    Tip: Balance meals with plenty of fruits and veggies since they give you energy. Skipping meals and excessive "junk food" like candy and sodas can make you tired and less able to cope. 

Work at building a stronger mind. Build a strong support system, grow professionally and enjoy humor and hobbies. Finally, reword yourself for getting through another tough work week. Getaway on the weekend and go camping! Seek out those extraordinary experiences you crave, and build a healthy mind and body on the way.

References:

Krames Communications, Staying on top of Stress.

They StayWell Company, Managing Stress in a Fast-Paced World Enjoying a Busy Life.

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How Stressed are you?
How stressed are you? Take a quiz to find out if you need help getting stress under control. Go to How Stressed Are You? - Quiz

Time to Get Relaxed and Getaway! Ideas...

 

Enjoy the Adventure and the Savings!
 
Affordable

 

 
A Lazy Solo Camper Tip or Two
1. Remote camping and don't feel safe sleeping in a tent or don't have a tent? Try SUV camping.

Tip: Fold down back seats, use favorite fleece sleeping bag or favorite linens for a bed area that will make you sleep sound. The greatest thing about it, sleep easy knowing SUV's can keep you safer at night should unwanted critters and visitors enter your camp.

Don't have an SUV? Ask your local dealership for the right SUV to rent and test drive if your shopping for one. Alternatively, Hotwire.com has great weekend SUV rental deals. 

2. Want to be a very lazy camper and don't have a lot of camping equipment? Try cabin camping.

Tip: Most Dude Ranches and Rustic Cabins have basic to lavish amenities, and are a great way to practice with your new camping equipment before going remote solo camping. Best of all they are relaxing

Don't know where to find a Dude Ranch? EveryDudeRanch.com has some great vacation getaways.

 Don't have hiking gear for SUV or Cabin camping? You've come to the right place. Shop The Lazy Camper


Find if you are missing something for your next camp trip: camping supply checklist

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Camp Fire Safety- Warm Up the Cold:

Building a fire can be fun an easy - if prepared. Take these precautions and proactive steps to ensure you have the right fire conditions.

  1. Starting to get to know the rules of the campground / accommodation  is always a good first step. You may find out in the process of understanding the rules of a park, you get free fire wood and/or prime locations to find it. Make sure the rules allow you to have a fire, especially before you go to all the trouble of setting one up.

For example: during a dry season or spell many state parks have a fire ban. Many southern states particularly in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma will often have dry spells throughout the year, thus starting fires are strictly forbidden in parks. Why? Many forest fires are caused campers, smokers etc.

If all conditions are right however, here are some fire set-up, starting and distinguishing tips for small camp fires:

  1. Location: Search for a clearing or spot that is well away from trees, camping items and flammable objects.
  2. Seating: A common mistake campers often make is starting a fire close to a tent or too close to chairs, tents and other camping equipment can burn melt quick! Some camping equipment is even very hazardous close to a fire including fuel canisters, fuel lanterns and aerosol sprays. It's ok to sit by a fire, but not ok if you catch on fire or melt your favorite camping chair. So it is important to sit up wind from fire and far enough away to not let the soles your shoes melt. In general with fire maintaining, and pretty much with any extreme activity, as most state parks will tell you: it's best to use plain ole common sense.
  3. Containment: Locate or build a fire ring. A fire ring has advantages in protecting fire from spreading, wind blowing it out of control, and keeping logs and fire debris in place.
  4. Wood Gathering: Gathering wood can be fun, and is great exercise. Try not to over harvest too much wood in one area, in order to not upset the balance natural surroundings. Be sure to wear gloves especially to protect hands from biting insects and slivers. Always lift with your knees when lifting wood - back aches can totally ruin a camping trip.
  5. Kindling: The kind of kindling needed is often determined by the type of wood gathered. Dry wood will start with little help. However, If your wood is mildly wet, it's always a good idea to have a few fire starting stick packed. Fire starting sticks burn pretty well on ice, snow and muddy areas. If you don't have a fire starter log or sticks, find some dry kindling. Fire starting kindling ideas are pine cones and needles and small dead sun bleached branches. If you have lots of camp trash and want to carry less garbage out of your campsite, keep discarded paper towel and/or paper product debris for fire starting.
  6. Position: Fires always bun better when they are layered properly. Placing small debris like pine needles, pine cones and paper products on the bottom will allow for a quick intense flame to start a very small fire. Position logs on-top, burning the medium sized logs first then graduating to larger logs.
  7. Flame: Packing a favorite lighter is one of the lazy camper's, top 50 tools. A lighter is much easier to use than matches, especially in extreme weather. Additionally, lighters are a good essential for survival. Always start the fire from the bottom (center of kindling). Make sure to periodically monitor fire.
  8. Extinguish: Make extinguishing your fire a priority. It is important to extinguish a fire completely before leaving a camp site. Snuff out fires with water, sand/dirt or a small fire extinguisher. It's always important to bring a shovel and a bucket. If you really want to wow camp visitors - try using a small fire extinguisher (hot product! snuffs out a fire in seconds - if used properly).

Fire Entertainment Essentials - 3 Tips for the Leisure Camper:

  1. Camp Fire Stories: Tell one at the beginning of the night.
  2. Camp Fire Food: Make simplicity a staple.
  3. Camp Fire Warmth: Relaxation is bliss.

Proactive Forest Fire Prevention:

  • Prevent forest fires while remote forest camping by always bringing plenty of water, a shovel and a bucket. It's common for unknowing campers find out that Most National Parks require fire distinguishing tools.
  • Snuff out campfire after you leave your site. Fires can still spread with a gust of wind even if no flames are visible.
  • While cooking and lighting fuel lanterns, fuel can spill leading to difficult to put out fires. Always keep ample water close by or a small fire extinguisher.

View our full line of fire prevention and fire aids

1/29/06

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Back to Top of Article:

10 Possible Camping Hazards: help your checklist beat the odds:

 
Hazard  Catalyst for Hazard Possible Gear Solution
Out of control campfire neglect while hiking Drowning out fire with water bucket before leaving camp
Biting insects exposure during gathering (wood) Wearing gloves while gathering wood
Injury from a fall tripping over rolling stones Being aware and paying attention to ground while walking
Dehydration overexposure sunlight while walking Carrying hydration equipment and enought for duration of walk
Cold Unforeseeable weather, lack of heating source Packing correct clothing and equipment to keep warm
Attack from large animal ignorance Protecting from unexpected attacks
Drowning swimming alone Common sense
Starving spoilage of food Cooler, cooling equipment
Blinding walking into branches Sunglasses
     
     
Top 10 Camping Hazard (click here)    

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We are a leading supplier of camping solutions to make your outdoor adventure more comfortable and relaxing. You work hard most of the time, so let life take you where it wants you to go! Here are some camping ideas:
  • Take your Inflatable Raft floating down a class 1 rapid at a cabin and/or float trip resort.

  • Show off you gourmet outdoor cooking style with minimalist outdoor camping cookware at your favorite state park.

  • Enjoy camping close to home with backyard a camping tent for the kids.

 Shop products and outdoor gear from thelazycamper.com; your one stop for camping equipment and supplies.

 

Camping Ideas - Easy camping ideas you'll love:

  • Backyard Camping - stock up on essentials for camping and teach your children how to use their camping gear. Get your children active and outdoors. Also helps them to develop good hand eye coordination.
  • SUV Camping - easy way to feel safe and great for remote camping of road spurs.
  • Camping Video Clips with Music - take shots of your trip and play some music in the background. It can be a relaxing way of enjoying your camping experience again when you get home.
  • Camping Movie Shots of Animals - try to catch elusive birds and animals.
  • Camping Float trips - find a campground with canoes, and stay overnight. Get dropped off up river, and paddle to your campsite.
  • Gourmet Cooking Camping - surprise your guest (or yourself) with cooking ideas that will give you a taste for cooking outdoors.
  • Hiking to loose weight - for most of us who hate to exercise, but love to loose weight. Be sure to bring your GPS.

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Camping Gift Ideas

Horseback Gear       
For the rugged wrangler you. 

Innovative Equipment      
For curious you. 

Camping Gifts under $20   
For the generous you. 

Guides and Handbooks
For the adventurous you.

 

Explore Texas Things are bigger and better in Texas! Explore thousands of natural cultural and historical treasures at the Texas Historical Commission. Find travel ideas at  TravelTex.com.

 

 

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Big Bend National Park, Texas         

 

 

Explore Texas
 

Featured State Park - Cabin

Escape the heat and camp with AC. Great lake views for RV and cabin campers alike - read our review of Lake Brownwood State Park, Brownwood, TX
 

Cabin Camping Checklist

 

Shop Cabin Camping Gear

stock up with  State Park cabin essentials for fishing, cooking, and more...

The Lazy Camper - Did you get lost? Answer:Back to Back to Article Index

Top Camping Hazard  Catalyst for Hazard Possible Proactive Solution
Loosing ones position from camp (lost) short stroll away from camp Carrying a GPS and Compass, navagating them successfully.

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