The Power of Bushcraft: Unlocking Better Health

 

In a world dominated by screens and edless to-do lists, bushcraft offers a lifeline to reclaiming your well-being.

There’s little I love more than being under a tarp, with the rain coming down, feeling the warmth of the fire and sharing food and stories with friends, or letting that peaceful silence descend, as we all gaze into the flames lost in our own thoughts. Then the rain stops and we’re active again, sorting out firewood, finishing projects or maybe packing up the tarp to continue our walk through the woods…

In our fast-paced, technology-driven society, it’s easy to feel disconnected from ourselves and the world around us. The demands of work, the constant buzz of social media, and the lure of easy distraction can leave us overwhelmed and reduce activity. But what if the antidote is as simple as stepping outside?

Mastering Freedom – Forget the Emails

Bushcraft, the art of thriving in nature, by gaining experience and practical skills in areas such as tracking, shelter, navigation, fire, carving, foraging, cooking and more, is more than just a hobby. It can be a transformative experience for both your mind and body. Whether you’re carving a spoon by a campfire or hiking through a forest, these outdoor activities offer countless benefits that can help you navigate modern life with greater resilience and joy.

A large scale study by the University of Exeter found that spending at least two hours a week in nature may be a crucial threshold for promoting health and well-being.

Trading Screen Time for Green Time

The connection between time in nature and improved mental health is well-documented. Studies show that just 20 minutes outdoors can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Outdoor activities like bushcraft have also been shown to increase serotonin production, the brain’s natural mood enhancer, additionally, time spent outdoors improves memory and focus, as demonstrated by a University of Michigan study. For those juggling busy lives, bushcraft offers an escape that sharpens the mind while lifting the spirit. For many, bushcraft takes this benefit to the next level by fostering mindfulness and engagement in the present moment, we don’t just walk through nature we try to connect with it.

When you’re focused on starting a fire, carving a spoon, observing a Badger Sett or building a shelter, your mind quiets, and your body relaxes. These activities not only ground you in the here and now but also provide a sense of accomplishment. Engaging with nature in this way can:

 

• • Reduce anxiety and depression: Natural settings lower stress hormones and promote feelings of calm.

• • Enhance creativity and focus: Immersing yourself in the outdoors stimulates brain function, breaking free from the mental fatigue caused by screens.

• • Build resilience: Mastering new skills and overcoming challenges in nature fosters confidence and emotional strength.

“The woods are my escape from the noise of life. I leave my worries at the trailhead and come back feeling like a new person.” (anonymous)

That’s a far cry from staying in bed doomscrolling!

Physical Strength and Wellbeing

Bushcraft isn’t just good for the mind; it can be a full-body workout in disguise. Unlike traditional exercise routines, bushcraft activities are varied and engaging and importantly ‘natural’, making it easier to stay active without feeling like you’re “working out.” Some of the physical benefits include:

 

• • Improved strength and endurance: Walking, Carrying your gear, chopping and carrying wood, and setting up shelters are natural ways to build muscle and stamina.

• • Cardiovascular health: Hiking, sawing, gathering resources, and even foraging get your heart pumping.

• • Enhanced motor skills and coordination: Tasks like knot-tying, tarp erecting, cooking and carving require precision and dexterity, keeping your hands and mind sharp.

Additionally, time spent in natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality and boosting energy levels. The combination of physical activity, fresh air and grounding leaves you feeling invigorated and ready to tackle the day.

Disconnecting to Reconnect

One of the most profound benefits of bushcraft is its ability to help us unplug from technology. The constant demands of social media, work emails and notifications can create a cycle of burnout and dissatisfaction, it’s fair to say that for some it is damaging. Bushcraft offers a break from this cycle, allowing you to reconnect with nature and, more importantly, yourself, which is so important.

In a world where multitasking is glorified, bushcraft encourages you to slow down. Building a fire or identifying wild edibles demands your full attention, creating a state of flow that’s both therapeutic and rejuvenating. These moments of deep focus remind us of the simple joys in life, helping to reset our priorities and foster gratitude.

Nurturing Youth

More now than ever it’s important to encourage youth to get outdoors and have adventures, bushcraft and outdoor activities are vital for young minds and bodies. Research shows that if we do the benefits can be immense, enhancing their mental health, resilience, problem-solving abilities, and physical confidence. A study published in Psychology Today highlights that outdoor activities reduce stress and anxiety by increasing endorphin and serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and emotional well-being.

Furthermore, the Yale Center for Business and the Environment reports that exposure to natural spaces is associated with improved cognitive function, stress resilience, and emotional regulation in young people.

It is obvious from the research being done, and the anecdotal experience many of us have gained, that bushcraft and outdoor activities are vital for young minds and bodies, helping to provide mental and physical benefits as well as valuable life skills that will help them develop confidence in their capabilities and trust in themselves, which seems like a great antidote to the anxiety and stress many experience.

Getting Started

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of bushcraft, the good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to start, in fact you don’t need any experience or specific skills.

The easiest thing is to walk in nature, take a plant ID book and have a wander, switch off your devices and distractions, refer to the book when you see something that interests you and celebrate every time you learn something new. If you find something edible and are positive it’s safe, give it a try and record how you feel about the whole experience. The key is to be mindful and present in what you’re doing so that you notice new things, allowing your curiosity to kick in.

To take it a little further, take a small tarp with you in case it rains and you need some cover to shelter in comfort.

Here are a few tips for beginners:

 

• • Start small: Try carving some chopsticks, a spatula or spoon, or learning basic knots in your back garden, local park or woodland.

• • Join a community: Bushcraft UK has a great community section and attending events like BushMoot can provide guidance, camaraderie, and inspiration. The connection with other people is a powerful mood lifter.

• • Embrace the mindful aspects of Bushcraft: Focus on the process rather than the outcome. Whether it’s starting a fire or whittling wood, enjoy the journey. Be patient with yourself and remember that there’s no rush.

• • Prioritise your safety: Equip yourself with basic tools and knowledge, enough to get you started, but don’t let a lack of knowledge stop you getting out, we all start somewhere.

• • Leave No Trace: These are principles to protect you and the environment. They’re the mindful approach to the outdoors!

For those looking to relax and focus on self-care, consider attending a MindMoot, designed to combine bushcraft activities with mindfulness practices.

The Big Picture

Bushcraft isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving—mentally, physically, and emotionally. It’s an opportunity to rediscover a simpler way of living, one that nourishes the soul and strengthens the body. So, step away from the screen, pack some snacks, and head to the woods, or the fields, the park, the coast, wherever your feet can take you. Whether you’re sitting by a fire, munching on foraged berries or walking up a hill, nature is waiting to welcome you home.

Bushcraft is more than a set of survival skills; it’s a gateway to mindfulness.

Take Action Today:

 

• • Visit BushcraftUK to explore events, resources, and a community of like minded people.

• • Join a BushMoot or MindMoot to experience the transformative power of bushcraft firsthand.

• • Start small by taking a walk in your local park and noticing the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.

The world may be busy, but the outdoors offers a space of calm and clarity. Answer the call and discover how bushcraft can bring balance and joy to your life.

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put together.” – John Burroughs

So, pack a flask, grab a guidebook, and let the great outdoors remind you what it means to truly unwind.

We’ll see you out there.

 

References:

White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J. et al. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Sci Rep 9, 7730 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3

Ann Arbor, University of Michigan – Going outside—even in the cold—improves memory, attention

https://news.umich.edu/going-outsideeven-in-the-coldimproves-memory-attention/

Drake Baer, Business Insider India – 6 Surprising Ways Nature Improves Your Memory And Productivity
https://www.businessinsider.in/6-Surprising-Ways-Nature-Improves-Your-Memory-And-Productivity/articleshow/40016069.cms