A New Kind of Self-Care: Weekend Reset in the Wild

I used to think “self-care” meant spa days or staying in bed with a book all Sunday. But with kids, work, and everything in between, even quiet moments at home started to feel... noisy.

That’s when I found something better. Not glamorous. Not curated. Just my car, a Teraglide platform, and a Friday night plan to disappear into the hills.

From Burnout to Breathing Again

Monday to Friday: meetings, pickups, groceries, laundry, emails.

Saturday to Sunday? For a while, it felt like more of the same — just in sweatpants.

The shift happened on a spontaneous trip to a nearby lake. No tents. No reservations. We threw everything in the car, folded out the platform bed in under a minute, and by sunset, we were making pasta next to the trunk.

The kids laughed more. I breathed deeper. And for once, I didn’t feel behind on anything.

➡ Want to see why it works?
Read: Car Camping as a Way to Reduce Anxiety and Stress

Car Camping Isn’t a Vacation — It’s a Pattern Interrupt

When we camp, I don’t check email. I don’t scroll. I don’t overthink.

I cook with my hands. Sip coffee at sunrise. And listen to birds instead of Slack notifications.

The best part? I don’t have to pack half the house. The platform lives in the trunk, the drawer kitchen stays stocked, and our go-kit always includes a flashlight, pasta, and a coffee press.

➡ Want to see how quick setup really is?
Read: The One-Minute Setup That Changes Everything

How We Turned Weekends into Memory Makers

Now, we don’t wait for holidays. We just go. Sometimes it’s a night by the beach. Sometimes a trailhead and cocoa with the kids. Sometimes it’s just me — a solo reset with no schedule and no expectations.

Because car camping isn’t about planning. It’s about choosing presence over pressure.

Self-Care in Motion

My weekend reset doesn’t come in a box.

It comes with fresh air, fewer decisions, and the sound of zipping up a sleeping bag next to the people I love most.

And I’m not alone. Research shows that even short exposure to nature reduces stress and improves mood. According to Yale Environment 360, spending time in forests and natural spaces can help lower anxiety, improve sleep, and boost mental clarity.

Ready for Your Own Reset?

If you’ve been looking for a self-care ritual that actually sticks, start here:

• Start where you are
• Sleep where you park
• Breathe where the trees are

Explore our camping platforms and conversion kits — and design your own weekend reset →

FAQ:

1. How can car camping become a form of self-care?
It removes the noise of daily life — no schedules, no digital overload. Just fresh air, rest, and being present with yourself or your loved ones.

2. Do I need to plan in advance for a car camping weekend?
Not always. With a platform bed already in your trunk and a stocked drawer kitchen, you can leave spontaneously on a Friday evening — no booking required.

3. Is car camping suitable for parents with kids?
Absolutely. Kids love the adventure, and parents love the simplicity. No tent setup, easy meals, and quality time outdoors make it a win for everyone.

4. What makes Teraglide ideal for quick getaways?
It sets up in under a minute, stays in your trunk full-time, and includes storage and kitchen modules. That means less packing and more relaxing.
👉 See how it works

5. Does nature really help with stress and anxiety?
Yes. Studies (like those cited by Yale Environment 360) show that time outdoors can lower anxiety, improve sleep, and restore emotional balance.
👉 Read more