From May 1st to 30th, I’ll be participating in the David Suzuki Foundation’s 30×30 Nature Challenge. This will be my second year participating, and I highly recommend it. The challenge is to spend 30 minutes for 30 days in nature.
Here’s how the organizers describe it:
“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… 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.”
While 30 minutes does not seem like a lot of time to spend in nature, I was surprised to find how much of a difference it made for me. I was able to enjoy local parks where I had already spent quite a bit of time, but this time with a new sense of purposeful action and presence of mind. I also discovered new parks and green spaces around the city.
I have also come to believe that any type of daily practice or discipline, even for 30 minutes a day, can bring a fresh perspective and can have cumulative effects.
To learn more about the 30×30 nature challenge, or to participate, Click Here.
To learn more about the David Suzuki Foundation, or to support/ donate this important organization, Click Here.
Here are some pictures from last year’s challenge…
Stay tuned for more pics and insights on this year’s experience!
Follow my 30×30 experience on Twitter with the hashtags #LoveNature & #30x30naturechallenge.
Salina Abji 