Want to feel healthier, happier and more peaceful?
Add a daily dose of nature to your routine.
Most of us spend too much time in front of screens and too little time outdoors. It’s time to fall (back) in love with nature! The David Suzuki Foundation challenges you to spend 30 minutes a day in nature for 30 days to kick-start a nature habit that lasts all year-round.
Our goal is simple: to reconnect human beings with nature for the sake of their health and mental well-being.
Start today. Join us in taking the One Nature Challenge, so we can reap nature’s benefits together.
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When you love nature, nature loves you back.
YOU + NATURE
A growing chorus of scientists and researchers agree: time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier and less stressed. It increases creativity and lowers risk of heart attacks. It even makes us nicer, more empathetic humans, with more meaningful relationships and increased community involvement.
Evidence shows that being regularly immersed in a natural setting, like a park, wetland or woodlot, reduces blood pressure, anxiety and stress levels and boosts immunity. Simply having a view of nature leads to faster patient recovery times in hospitals and higher job satisfaction and increased concentration in office workers. Outdoor exercise increases energy levels and reduces anger, depression and obesity.
For children, studies show that time outdoors, especially unstructured time in more natural settings, can increase curiosity, creativity and problem solving ability. It also improves their physical fitness and coordination and reduces symptoms associated with attention deficit disorder. It can even reduce the likelihood of needing glasses for near-sightedness.
Studies also demonstrate that nature can have profound effects on entire neighbourhoods or communities by improving job and life satisfaction of residents and aiding community cohesion and identity. It can even reduce violence and bridge the gap in health between high and low-income communities.
Given this amazing array of benefits and our increasing urbanization and isolation from nature, it is essential that we reframe our traditional view of nature as a place for leisure and sport towards one that emphasizes a full range of physical, mental, and social health benefits.
One Nature Challenge FAQS
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Since 2012, the David Suzuki Foundation has invited Canadians and people around the world to join the One Nature Challenge (previously the 30X30 Nature Challenge). Tens of thousands of people have been inspired to spend 30 minutes outside each day for 30 days. Join us in cultivating the nature habit!
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You can start your One Nature Challenge any time. Check out the daily tips for motivation.
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Nature isn’t a destination—it’s literally in your backyard. Green space is as close as your neighbourhood park or garden. Community gardens, trails, ravines and beaches are often a short diversion from your daily route. Birds, bees and other critters are always nearby. You just have to take time to watch and listen.
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Good question! It’s simple: time in nature is about getting outside and taking time to notice and connect with the non-human life around you.
Time in nature is not always the same as being outside — most busy city thoroughfares aren’t very green or calming. But the good news for urban dwellers is that even small green spaces are beneficial if you relax and pay attention to nature when you’re there. We recommend putting your electronic devices away so you can use all your senses to listen for bird song, breathe fresh air and watch for local wildlife.
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Check out our One Nature Challenge Tips below and be sure to follow the #OneNatureChallenge hashtag to see how others are getting their daily doses of nature.
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Yes! Thousands of people from all over the world participate each year. Share your pictures and stories and use the #OneNatureChallenge hashtag— we’d love to hear how you spend time in nature!
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Of course! The Challenge isn’t about being perfect. We want to encourage everyone to get outside and enjoy nature more often. Little by little, you can cultivate the nature habit.
ONE NATURE CHALLENGE TIPS
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