One Nature Challenge

Kick-start a nature habit that lasts all year! Spend 30 minutes a day in nature for 30 consecutive days.

Want to feel healthier, happier and calmer?

Add a daily dose of nature to your routine.

Most of us spend too much time inside in front of screens and too little time outdoors. It’s time to fall (back) in love with nature! Take the One Nature Challenge! Kick-start a nature habit that lasts all year — spend 30 minutes a day in the great outdoors for 30 consecutive days.

The goal is simple: reconnect humans with nature for the sake of their health and 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 calmer. It increases creativity and lowers risk of heart attacks. It even makes us nicer and more empathetic, with more meaningful relationships and increased community involvement.

Evidence shows that being regularly immersed in a natural setting, such as a park, wetland or woodlot, boosts immunity and reduces blood pressure, anxiety and stress. 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 natural settings, can increase curiosity, creativity and problem-solving ability. It also improves physical fitness and coordination and reduces symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity 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 residents’ job and life satisfaction 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’s essential that we reframe our traditional view of nature as a place for leisure and sport to one that emphasizes a full range of physical, mental and social health benefits.

One Nature Challenge FAQS

  • Since 2012, we’ve invited people in Canada and around the world to join the One Nature Challenge (previously the 30X30 Nature Challenge). Tens of thousands have been inspired to spend 30 minutes outside each day for 30 days. Join us in cultivating the nature habit!

  • You can start your One Nature Challenge any time. Check out the tips below to help you kick-start your challenge in any season.

  • Nature isn’t a destination — it’s right outside your door or window. Green space is as close as your window box, balcony, yard or neighbourhood park. Community gardens, trails, ravines and beaches are often just 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.

  • 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. Try putting your electronic devices away so you can use all your senses to observe plants, listen for bird song, breathe fresh air and watch for local wildlife.

  • Check out our One Nature Challenge tips below!

    By signing up for the One Nature Challenge, you’ll receive motivation, encouragement, tips and guidance via weekly emails.

    Follow #OneNatureChallenge on social platforms to see how others are getting their daily doses of nature.

  • Yes! Thousands of people from all over the world take part each year. Share your pictures and stories with #OneNatureChallenge — we’d love to hear how you spend time in nature!

  • Of course! Perfection is the enemy of good. The One Nature Challenge isn’t about being perfect. It’s about encouraging everyone to get outside and enjoy nature more often. Little by little, you can cultivate a nature habit.

ONE NATURE CHALLENGE TIPS

Fall and winter tips for connecting with nature

Want to spend more time outdoors in fall and winter but don’t know where to begin? Looking for new ways to meaningfully spend time in nature? Find inspiration in these tips!

Learn more