New Year's Goal: 1000 Hours Outside!

How can 1000 hours outside change your mind and body?

Spending 1,000 hours outside per year—an average of just under three hours per day—can have transformative effects on your body and mind. Here’s how embracing nature for this amount of time can enhance your well-being:

For Your Body

1. Improved Physical Health

   • Increased Vitamin D: Sunlight exposure boosts vitamin D production, essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.

   • Better Cardiovascular Health: Walking, hiking, or cycling outside supports heart health, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation.

   • Enhanced Fitness: Engaging in outdoor activities helps build muscle strength, improve flexibility, and increase endurance.

   • Better Sleep: Exposure to natural light regulates your circadian rhythm, promoting more restful sleep.

   • Boosted Immune System: Time in nature exposes you to diverse microbes that can strengthen your immune response.

2. Reduced Sedentary Behavior

   • Being outdoors often encourages movement, countering the negative effects of prolonged sitting common in modern lifestyles.

For Your Mind

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

   • Nature has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promoting relaxation.

   • Activities like forest bathing have been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve mental clarity.

2. Improved Mood

   • Exposure to green spaces is linked to increased serotonin levels, which can help combat depression and enhance overall happiness.

3. Enhanced Cognitive Function

   • Time in nature can boost creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills. This is especially beneficial for tasks requiring sustained attention.

4. Better Emotional Regulation

   • Being outdoors provides space for introspection and emotional processing, which can lead to improved resilience and emotional balance.

5. Strengthened Social Connections

   • Spending time outdoors often involves social activities like hiking, sports, or picnics, which can deepen relationships and provide a sense of community.

For Your Overall Well-being

1. Connection with Nature

   • Regular exposure to natural environments fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation for the world, improving your overall perspective on life.

2. Mindfulness and Presence

   • Outdoor activities encourage living in the moment, helping you disconnect from screens and stressors while reconnecting with yourself and the natural world.

3. Sense of Accomplishment

   • Meeting a goal like 1,000 hours outdoors can boost confidence, discipline, and a sense of achievement.

In essence, 1,000 hours outside per year can profoundly enrich your life, helping you thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s an investment in your health and happiness that pays dividends for years to come!

Here’s a helpful tracker to record your goals for the year: 1000 Hours Outside. Just color in each space on the tree ring for each hour you spend outside. I’m going to color-code mine with a new color each month, just for fun!

I’ve already filled in 6 hours for January 1 with a fun-filled, and a bit grueling, snowshoe hike to the summit of Mount Spokane with a bunch of adventure-seeking ladies. It was a perfect way to kickoff the new year!

Happy “Outdooring” New Year!

Tygra Monk & Melanie Kiss at the summit of Mount Spokane ~ January 1, 2025