Have you spent WAY more time on devices this year? No where to go, no one to see? I joke but honestly! This has led to a lot more screen time for us, including finally caving and letting our 2 year old watch t.v.. I’m sure over the course of this year many of us have been reflecting and reconsidering what is most important. As I continue to move through the process of simplifying my life and focusing on what matters, one of the things that I want more of is outdoor time. I stumbled across Ginny of 1000 Hours Outside on Instagram and was totally inspired. So for 2021, my goal is to get myself and my family outside.
I’ve always really loved the outdoors. I was lucky to spend time camping in my childhood as well as at a wonderful family YMCA resort that resembled camp. We spent our days swimming, canoeing, biking around and exploring. I would also spend hours playing in the creek or in the woods near my home. There was so much freedom when I was young and when the weather was great we were outside with friends. I think these days kids have a harder time gaining the same level of freedom and therefore the same amount of time outside. Richard Louv, the author of Last Child in the Woods, coined the term nature-deficit disorder. He found through his research that many parents are fearful of letting their children have that kind of freedom. Which in turn leads to more time indoors and less in nature, hence the deficit. But the positive impact of being outdoors is indisputable.
Why?
Why would you want to spend 1000 hours outside?
The benefits are huge, I would stretch to say especially for children. My teacher self can say anecdotally things are definitely more difficult on an indoor recess day. The kids are bouncing off the walls, louder and more tired but not in the good kind of way. I think any parent can also probably attest to the benefit of getting their kids out of the house versus a day at home. We don’t need the science, we’ve all learned from experience, and likely paid the consequence. I’m sure the same is true of adults but our self regulation game is a bit stronger in the bouncing of the walls department. So although we may not be jumping out of our skin, I’m sure you can recognize when you’ve spent a whole day inside you don’t feel your best. But the science is also clear. Kids and adults who spend time in nature really benefit.
- More exercise.
- Calm and more focused, it engages our senses differently.
- Learn better.
- Relieves stress
- More creativity
- Better short term memory and more mental energy
- Reduced inflammation
- Better vision
- Benefits mental health
- A sense of wonder
- Executive function skills (self regulation, managing impulsivity)
- Environmental stewardship
- Strengthen immunity
The list is long and if your curiosity is peaked, there is some great information on each of the links. We feel better when we’ve spent time outdoors. I find this especially in winter.
Spend your money where it counts
Part of being intentional with how you spend your time is being intentional about how you spend your money. If being outdoors matters to you, then you’ll want to spend your money on things that enable you to be outside.
One purchase we made this year is a car. If you can believe it, it’s my first car! I’m nearly 40 and have never owned one. But in all my evaluating of what is important, this felt like the best place to put our money. We live in a city and are quite able to get around without one either walking, on transit or cycling. So we have rented when a car was needed but it definitely impacted the spontaneity of going out. Then throw in a pandemic, a toddler and knowing this matters, and the decision was made. Having a car makes access easier and the ability to camp more frequently and more flexibly simpler.
Other places I’ve spent money are in outdoor gear and on making it simpler (check out my post on pull on winter boots, you won’t look back). When you are comfortable in whatever the weather, you’ll get out there more.
Where will you go?
Anywhere! Don’t feel limited if you don’t have tons of natural space nearby. Getting out to the local park or for a walk in the fresh air is great. If you are at all like me and have perfectionist tendencies, you can hold yourself back. You might not have time to drive to that beautiful trail 30 minutes away but don’t let that stop you altogether. Take 30 minutes in your neighbourhood. You will definitely feel better for it and you can always go to that beautiful trail another day.
If you do have more time and are feeling adventurous, check out your local national or provincial parks. It might surprise you how nearby one might be. They do usually come with a cost and if frequency is what you’re after, you probably want to check out some free options as well. We have been nicely surprised by all the trails in Mississauga. Your town or city likely has lots of unknown beautiful natural spots to discover.
What to bring
Depending on the season you’ll need different clothing, we love to bring a picnic and if you are with kids consider what will help support your adventures.
Winter Adventures
- Layers; wool long sleeve, fleece pants, wool socks, fleece sweater. Don’t wear cotton layers, they hold onto moisture and will make you cold. MEC has great affordable options.
- Hot cocoa and yummy snacks
- Warm boots and coat
- Extras, I like to stash an extra pair of mittens and socks and hat in the backpack I carry. Just in case.
Summer Adventures
- Sunscreen
- A great hat with lots of coverage
- Loose, breathable clothing, even long sleeves if you’ll be in full sun a lot
- Lots of water and refreshing snacks
- Comfortable shoes or sandals
Spring/Fall Adventures
I think these middle seasons require the least fuss, no worries of too much sun or cold.
- Waterproof footwear; boots or there are great sneaker options now
- Waterproof or lined coat
- Water and snacks, always
- A couple layers stashed in your bag, the weather changes more in these middle seasons
Everything counts
Your goal doesn’t have to be 1000 hours outside. Ginny’s website is full of amazing information, ideas and motivation. There are also of inspiring people on Instagram with a similar purpose, getting their kids and themselves outside more. But you don’t need to aim that high. Change that sticks is what’s in your realm of possible. COVID is hard on all of us and screen time makes it easier, so don’t blame yourself or feel bad for doing what you need to do to get through this craziness. But if you think getting outside more sounds like something you want or would impact you and your family positively, go for it. Go for a short walk together, hang out beside a creek, sit on a bench under a tree or crunch your footsteps through some snow. Take care of yourself the best you can. I think this will help you do that. Enjoy your adventures.
