Reengage with Nature: 1000 Hours Outside

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h, the great outdoors! There's nothing quite like fresh air and sunshine to clear the cobwebs from your cluttered minds and forget about the internet trolls you just encountered. But with the modern society we live in, how much time do we actually spend outside?

According to a survey conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2019, the average American adult spends only 7% of their time outside, which is about 1.5 hours per day. This is a significant decrease compared to previous decades, as more people are spending more time indoors due to work, technology, and entertainment options. Adding to this is the global pandemic and accompanying lockdowns that "force" people to stay indoors, making it likely that these numbers have decreased even further in recent years. Did pushing people to stay indoors in turn cause other damage or disruptions to our overall health?

The Innate Connection Between Humans and Nature

Pandemic or not, we continue to move towards becoming less and less connected with the outside around us. Yet, on the other hand, how many times have you talked to a stranger or close friend about the weather? We disconnect ourselves from physical and digital shelters because it's "too hot," "too cold," or "too much of an inconvenience." However, deep in our subconscious, nature appears to be on our minds daily. To overcome this trend, we must first understand the deep connection we have with the natural world around us; then we can take the steps towards truly connecting with it, and not just leaving it to our fantasies or another form of entertainment.

Studies have shown that exposure to nature, even just a short walk in the park, can have significant positive effects on our mental and physical well-being. Our brains are wired to find natural environments calming and restorative, which is why spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase creativity. This connection to nature is deeply ingrained in our biology, and highlights the importance of preserving and protecting natural environments for our health and happiness.[1][2]

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. [John Muir]

Benefits:

At this point it might sound like you're about to be told to go hug a tree, but there are practical benefits to reengaging with our natural surroundings. So grab your flannel shirt, grow out that beard, and let's explore the benefits of getting in touch with your natural side.

Better Mental Clarity: Spending time in nature has been shown to improve focus, memory, and overall cognitive function.
Boosted Testosterone: That's right, you can boost your manly mojo just by taking a stroll through the woods or setting up camp under the stars. Who needs expensive supplements when you can get your fix from nature itself?
Improved Cardiovascular Health: If you want to return to being a true warrior, then you need a healthy heart. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Increased Creativity: Research has shown that exposure to natural environments can increase creativity and problem-solving skills. So, the next time you're stuck on a complex equation to figure out the inner workings of the brain of a woman, take a walk in the park and let nature inspire you.
Lowered Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can lead to a number of health problems, but spending time in nature can actually help reduce inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments can decrease levels of inflammatory markers in the blood.

Challenge:

Commit to 1000 hours outside over the next 365 days. Embrace the elements head on and give yourself more to talk about the next time you're in a coffee shop, basking in your achievements to the barista. See the Objective(s) for ideas.

Objective(s):

Search Out new outdoor locations in your area.
Plan a Trip to a National Park.
Get Lost in a nearby woods or forest and find your way back.
Train for a Marathon: Sign up for a marathon and train outdoors.
Go on a Backpacking Trip: Take off into the wilderness with just a backpack and your camping gear for a multi-day backpacking trip.
Learn Survival Skills: Sign up for a wilderness survival course and learn how to survive in the great outdoors with minimal equipment.
Pick Up A New Sport that you have been wanting to learn for a while. Beach Volleyball, perhaps?
Bring Your Kids: This challenge and article was inspired by 1000 Hours Outside; check out their site.