Get Outdoors: A Winter Challenge

Spend 1 hour outside every day for 60 days. Already over 2000 hours committed by participants!

 

Challenge yourself to beat the winter blues, get outside and explore your own neighbourhood this winter.

Young family walking in winter

What's the challenge?

Spend 1 hour outside every day for the next 60 days.

Yes, it’s snowy. Yes, it’s cold. Yes, it gets dark early. But the birds are still chirping, the sun is still shining (well, some days) and our favourite parks, trails, and streets are still outside for us to explore! And whatever amount of time you commit to, it will make a difference!

 

1 hour outside every day for 60 days = 60 glorious hours of fresh air and sunlight!

 

30 mins outside every day for 60 days = 30 hours feeling refreshed, calmer and happier.

 

2 hours outside every day for 60 days = 120 hours of quality time in your neighbourhood instead of online

 

Join the challenge

    How much time am I committing to spending outside?

    Why would I go outside in the freezing cold?

    Feel better

    Spending time outside and in nature has been found to reduce stress and help with problems like anxiety and depression. Research shows that just a few minutes (1–10 minutes) of exposure to nature can boost attention, reduce feelings of stress and improve your mood.

    Sleep better

    Time outside can help us sleep well too. Getting plenty of natural sunlight outside helps to regulate our body’s natural sleep/wake cycles, improving our chances of a good night’s sleep.

    Move better

    Research shows that the more time we spend outside, the more we move! And if we’re moving more, we’re improving our physical health as well as getting all those mental health benefits.

    Better connected

    Instead of interacting with anonymous faces online, getting outside connects us with real people. Seeing friends, chatting with someone at the local cafe or just a friendly smile to a stranger all helps us feel less alone.

    How can I get outdoors in the winter?

    A lunchtime stroll

    Throw on your jacket and go for a walk on your lunch break. Maybe explore a few streets in your neighbourhood that you’ve never walked before, or head to your local park.

    Walk the kids to school

    Start the day with the family and walk them to school. The fresh air is a great way to wake up!

    Go for an ice skate

    Lots of neighborhoods have free, accessible ice rinks in the local park. Make the most of the cold weather and test your balance!

    A coffee catch up

    Grab a coffee from your favourite cafe, find a table or bench in a quiet spot and catch up with a loved one.

    Toboggan!

    Maybe you want something a little more fast paced? Then it’s time to get that toboggan out and find your nearest hill!

    We’re not telling you to give up time spent wrapped in blankets with a good book or a movie marathon. We’re just reminding you that there is a whole world outside your door, and it is important for our health and wellbeing in every season to get some fresh air and smile at a stranger!

    Ready to take the challenge?

    Pick Your Goal

    Decide how often you’d like to get outdoors. We suggest an hour a day until the start of Spring (March 20), but choose what works for you!

    Join the Challenge

    Sign up and be part of the community getting outdoors this winter. We’ll keep you motivated with lots of inspirational ways to get outdoors.

    Share

    Share the challenge with friends, family, colleagues and your community. Let people know why you’re getting outdoors and how they can be a part of it!

     

    Tag us
    @evergreencanada

    Choose to Raise Money

    Fundraising is not required for this challenge, but it’s another way for you and others to support the public spaces that make it possible for us to get outdoors in the winter! Create your fundraising page here.

    More inspiration for getting outside this winter

    We’ve got tons of advice, inspiration and ideas to help you complete your challenge!

    Questions?

    Send an email to Sydney Walter, swalter@evergreen.ca and she’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about the challenge! 

    Sydney Walter
    Development Officer