With the ongoing pandemic and increasing screen time, why not take on the challenge of spending 1000 hours outdoors this year? Yes, you read that right!
It may sound like a daunting task—after all, that breaks down to about 2.7 hours each day in nature. However, this commitment could significantly benefit your family’s mental health. Engaging with the outdoors doesn’t require elaborate planning; simple activities like reading outside or walking barefoot on the grass can suffice.
The ‘1000 Hours Outside’ initiative was started by a family aiming to enhance lives through outdoor experiences, fostering growth in academic, social, emotional, and physical domains. They advocate for spending about twenty hours a week outside, and invite others to join them.
While this idea sounds idyllic—imagine children playing in fields like in a movie—I wanted to ensure there’s real merit behind it, especially as we juggle work and remote learning during these challenging times. Is prioritizing outdoor time feasible? Is it really worth it?
To explore these questions, I consulted Dr. Lisa Reynolds, a neuropsychologist at a local university. According to Dr. Reynolds, being outdoors can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. She referenced a 2015 study showing that individuals who walked in nature experienced lower activity in parts of the brain associated with negative thoughts. Nature has the power to restore our mood and rejuvenate our spirits.
Dr. Reynolds recommends spending around three hours outside each day. While winter weather may make this difficult, she suggests aiming for at least an hour of outdoor activity, such as walking in a park. This can help combat the cabin fever many of us are feeling and allows us to soak in some much-needed vitamin D from sunlight, which is especially vital during these times of increased screen exposure.
In light of COVID-19, many of us have lost our usual routines. We’ve transitioned from commuting, shopping, and visiting friends to spending long hours indoors. Getting outside can mitigate feelings of isolation and provide a change of scenery.
Other ways to improve your mood include exercising to boost endorphin levels, enjoying a good laugh, or simply spending time with your pets. Engaging in creative pursuits or volunteering can also help you shift your focus away from stressors.
If you’re like me, getting kids outdoors can enhance their mood and help them sleep better. Taking a break from screens can boost happiness for the whole family. These outdoor activities can help lift us out of the pandemic slump and address issues like tech neck, which is becoming increasingly common.
In conclusion, spending more time outside is beneficial for both mental and physical health. While reaching 1000 hours this year may be ambitious, any time spent outdoors is better than none. Remember, however, that outdoor activities are not substitutes for professional therapy or medical treatment if you’re struggling.
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Summary:
The ‘1000 Hours Outside’ challenge encourages families to prioritize outdoor time, which can enhance mental health and well-being. Experts suggest aiming for at least an hour daily outdoors, particularly during the pandemic, to combat feelings of isolation. Engaging in outdoor activities can improve overall mood and health, making it a worthwhile endeavor.
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