Vanlife has become a popular lifestyle choice for many people looking to live on their own terms, break away from traditional societal norms, and explore the world in a unique way. While vanlife can offer a sense of freedom and adventure, it can also present unique challenges to mental health and well-being. We’ll explore the relationship between mental health and vanlife, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of this lifestyle along with some strategies to make your experience the best possible.
Positive Aspects of Vanlife on Mental Health and Well-being
One of the most significant positive impacts of vanlife on mental health is the sense of freedom and adventure it can bring. Vanlife allows for a level of flexibility that is not possible with traditional lifestyles. Van dwellers can change their location and surroundings as often as they want, allowing for a constant sense of newness and exploration. This can lead to a sense of excitement and adventure, which can have positive effects on mental health and well-being.
Moreover, vanlife often involves spending a lot of time in nature. Being in nature has been shown to have a range of mental health benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Spending time in natural surroundings can also improve mood and boost creativity. Van dwellers have the opportunity to be surrounded by nature on a regular basis, which can have a positive impact on their overall mental health and well-being.
Vanlife can also foster a unique sense of community and connection. Van dwellers often form close-knit communities with other travelers and can develop relationships with people from all over the world. This sense of connection can be important for mental health and well-being, as it can provide a support system and a sense of belonging. Forming these connections and community relationships can take time, so continue to put yourself out there. Here are some strategies that might be helpful in finding your own vanlife community:
Join online communities: There are many online platforms that help facilitate vanlife community such as forums, Facebook groups, and Instagram hashtags. These communities can be a great way to connect with other van dwellers, share experiences, and get advice on vanlife-related issues. Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with other van dwellers. Posting about your vanlife experiences and using relevant hashtags can help you connect with others who share your interests. Additionally, many van dwellers use social media to find travel partners and connect with other van dwellers who are currently in the same area. In particular, Facebook groups come in many forms, with very broad groups for vanlife enthusiasts or narrow groups based on individual regions, or even vehicle types. For example, the Sprinter Van Owners Facebook Group, or the Ford Transit USA Owners Facebook Group - just start searching based on your region or vehicle and you’re bound to find a group of like-minded individuals! Reddit similarly has several communities with an engaging, welcoming crowd such as r/vanlife and r/vandwellers. There are also a few apps that attempt to form communities through proximity of vanlifers - Sēkr (The Vanlife App) may be one to start with.
Attend vanlife events: Many vanlife events are held throughout the year, such as vanlife gatherings, festivals, and meetups. Attending these events can be a great way to meet other van dwellers in person and form lasting connections. Some popular vanlife events include the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous, the International Vanlife Gathering, and the Midwest Vanlife Gathering, TinyFest, VanFest Utah, etc. However, these are in no way the only gatherings out there - the full list is quite extensive. Many van building companies, major blogs and groups coordinate large meetups sporadically throughout the year - stay tuned on social media channels, and find some favorite vanlife blogs to help plug into upcoming gatherings.
Volunteer: Volunteering for organizations that support vanlife or outdoor living can be a great way to meet like-minded individuals. Organizations such as the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and Outdoor Outreach are just a few examples of groups that often work with van dwellers, but if you search based on your location at the time of travel, you’re sure to find something available.
Overall, finding a vanlife community can be a great way to combat the isolation and loneliness that can sometimes come with vanlife. By connecting with other van dwellers, you can build a support system and make lasting friendships that can make your vanlife experience more fulfilling and enjoyable. Related: What are the pros and cons of vanlife?
Negative Aspects of Vanlife on Mental Health and Well-being
While vanlife can have many positive impacts on mental health and well-being, it can also present unique challenges that can have negative effects. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of stability and routine. Van dwellers often do not have a set schedule or routine, which can make it difficult to maintain healthy habits such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep. This lack of routine can also lead to feelings of anxiety and stress.
Additionally, vanlife can be isolating. Van dwellers often spend a lot of time alone, and may have limited access to social support systems. This isolation can exacerbate existing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, and can make it difficult to seek out help when needed.
Moreover, vanlife can be expensive, and financial stress can take a toll on mental health and well-being. Van dwellers may have to deal with unexpected expenses and may have limited access to financial resources, which can create feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
Finally, vanlife can present physical challenges that can impact mental health and well-being. Living in a van can in some cases be cramped and uncomfortable, which can lead to physical discomfort and pain. Additionally, van dwellers may have limited access to resources such as healthcare, which can make it more difficult to manage physical and mental health conditions.
There are definitely ways to overcome these risks to mental health due to vanlife, but regardless should be kept in view to ensure they don’t inadvertently impact your wellbeing. Check out a few strategies below that can help you keep a strong state of mind on the road.
Strategies for maintaining mental health and well-being while living in a van
Living in a van can present unique challenges for maintaining mental health and well-being. Here are some strategies that can help van dwellers maintain their mental health:
Establish a daily routine
Living in a van can be unpredictable, which can be stressful for some people. Establishing a daily routine can provide a sense of structure and stability, which can be helpful for mental health. This routine can include things like waking up at the same time every day, having a morning meditation or exercise routine, and setting aside time for work or other activities. Consider mixing in a few productive, quick activities to serve as ‘quick wins’ such as sweeping out the van, tidying up, or converting your bed to day-mode.
Stay active
Exercise is an effective way to manage stress and improve mental health. Van dwellers can maintain their physical health by finding ways to stay active, even in a small space. This can include things like taking walks or hikes, doing yoga or other forms of exercise, and even using resistance bands or other portable exercise equipment. Fortunately, living on the road makes this quite easy, as you’re literally steps away from being outside at all times - take advantage of this ease of access! How to exercise and stay healthy while living in a van?
Connect with nature
One of the benefits of vanlife is the opportunity to be closer to nature. Spending time in nature can be an effective way to improve mental health and reduce stress. Van dwellers can explore local parks, nature preserves, and hiking trails to find places to connect with nature. Even a few minutes will make a world of difference in your long term sentiment.
Prioritize sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for mental health and well-being. Van dwellers can prioritize sleep by creating a comfortable sleep environment in their van, establishing a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding activities that can interfere with sleep, like using electronics before bedtime. This can be a challenge for some vanlifers, especially when transitioning from a more traditional lifestyle / sleeping situation. If you’re parked overnight in a busy area, consider earplugs or white noise (to ensure you can still hear emergencies). It will take time to identify the setting or type of overnight parking situation that puts you most at ease for sleeping - it could be out in the middle of the woods with minimal noises, or it could be in a parking lot amongst other vanlifers where you feel a safety net. Just continue to test out different sleeping arrangements until you begin to feel comfortable!
Maintain social connections
Living in a van can be isolating, so it's important for van dwellers to prioritize social connections. This can involve staying in touch with friends and family through phone calls, video chats, or social media, and also connecting with other van dwellers through online forums or in-person meetups. Take advantage of your mobile home to visit friends and family along your route!
Find ways to express creativity
Engaging in creative activities can be an effective way to manage stress and improve mental health. Van dwellers can find ways to express their creativity in a small space, such as writing, painting, or playing music.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a technique that involves focusing on the present moment and observing one's thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help van dwellers manage stress and anxiety. This can involve things like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment.
Seek professional support
Van dwellers who are struggling with their mental health can benefit from seeking professional support. This can involve finding a therapist or counselor who specializes in working with individuals who are living in a van or who have experience working with people who are dealing with the stresses of travel and mobility.
Maintain a healthy diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can be important for maintaining mental health and well-being. Van dwellers can prioritize healthy eating by stocking their van with nutritious foods and avoiding processed or junk foods.
Set boundaries
Living in a van can blur the lines between work and personal life, which can be stressful. Van dwellers can set boundaries by establishing clear work hours and setting aside time for personal activities, hobbies, and self-care.
Take breaks
Living on the move can be exhausting, so it's important to take breaks and allow time for rest and relaxation. This can include finding a peaceful spot to park the van for a few days, taking a break from driving to enjoy a hike or other outdoor activity, or finding a quiet spot to read and relax.
Embrace the challenges
Living in a van is not always easy, but embracing the challenges and viewing them as opportunities for personal growth can be a helpful mindset. Rather than dwelling on the negatives, focus on the positives and use challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
In conclusion, living in a van can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it can also present challenges for mental health and well-being. By prioritizing self-care, establishing a routine, and seeking out professional support when needed, van dwellers can maintain their mental health and continue to enjoy the benefits of life on the road.
Where can I find first-hand experience related to other vanlifers and mental health and well-being?
Reddit is a great start: