If you’re like a lot of people in the world you might have made or be making some New Year’s resolutions. Things you’re hoping to do more or less of, a new thing to try etc for the new year. When thinking about what I wanted my resolutions to be, I thought about how I wanted our family to spend our time during the year. I knew I wanted to make healthy choices for myself and my family. And I also wanted to model healthy habits for my kids and really be present with them throughout the year. I’d heard about the 1,000 hours outside challenge from other people, I’m guessing you’ve heard of it too. Maybe you’ve completed it! (If so, send me your tips and encouragement!) I decided this would be a good goal for our year and we’re starting to work away at our hours a little at a time.
What is it?
If you’re not familiar with the concept, it is as straightforward as it sounds. The goal is to get outside for a total of 1,000 hours through the year. If you want some info on the inspiration behind it you can check out this video:
In case you’re wondering how 1,000 is split over 365 days it works out to be about 2.73 hours per day. Obviously there are days you’ll get only 1 or even none and there will be glorious spring days where you might be outside for 5 or even more. But that 2-3 hours per day average can get you an idea of what to aim for.
If you think this sounds like something you’d like to do too I’ve got some thoughts and tips after these first few days of getting started.
Get the Gear You Need
If you’re going to be outside for 1,000 hours, you’re going to be out in some less than ideal conditions on several occasions. Think rain, cold, excessive heat, snow etc. So if you/your kids don’t have rain boots or a good warm coat, gloves, a sun hat, sunglasses, a portable fan I’d encourage you to get them. The goal is to enjoy 1,000 hours outside together and it’s much easier to enjoy it if you’re comfortable.
Take Your Location into Account
Think about where you live and adjust the hours accordingly. Live where it’s super cold? Aim for fewer hours outside in the harshest months knowing you can get a lot more in the milder ones. Same is true for those of you with unbearable heat in the summer. You’re probably not going to be outside for 5 hours a day in July- so go ahead and get out there as much as possible now!
Be Flexible
Our new year has started with an atypical freezing cold front for us. I didn’t have the gear my kids needed (see #1) to be outside comfortable/safely and so we’re getting off to a tough start. It’s tempting to say well I’m already way “behind” so I may as well just not try. Nope! I’m not going to have that attitude and I encourage you to avoid it also. It’s ok that I’ve missed several hours I had planned on. I’ve got what I need now and am ready to give it our best shot.
Track It!
Track it! Their site has tons of options for trackers- if you have older kids they could do the tracking for you even. It’s motivating to see it start to fill up! They also have an app that lets you track if that’s more your style. But whatever you decide definitely use something to track because your brain will not hold onto that continuous addition problem throughout the year I assure you
Final Pep Talk
Here’s the thing…yes the goal is 1,000 hours outside. But if I only get 900 does that mean I failed? I don’t think so! I think it means I was outside 900 hours which is a LOT of hours. It means I was intentional about trying to get out into nature and enjoy life with my family. It means I had 900 hours worth of experiences that we may not have had otherwise. And that is going to be my focus this year. I hope you’ll join me!