BC Parks Foundation

Design Your 2025 Nature Habit! 

How much time do you spend in nature each week? Are you making the most of its health benefits? Research shows that just two hours a week in nature can significantly improve your health and well-being, with stress hormone levels dropping most efficiently during 20-to-30-minute intervals.  

Creating a personalized nature habit, writing it down, and using visual cues as reminders can make it easier to stick with your goals. Think about: 

How much time should I spend in nature?  

Research shows that people who spend at least 2 hours in nature each week report significantly better health and wellbeing. It reduces your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, improves memory, creativity, and work satisfaction, and much more. Healthcare providers recommend at least 2 hours/week, 20+ minutes at a time. 

On a piece of paper, write down, “I will spend _________ hours in nature per week, _________ minutes at a time.” 

What should I do in nature?  

Health benefits start to add up whenever you feel like you've had meaningful contact with nature, whether you’re sitting on a park bench or hiking up a mountain peak. Walking, hiking, birdwatching, or just relaxing outdoors—what excites you?  

Write down five activities you already love doing or want to try.  

Where should I go for nature time?  

Is there a park near your office you’ve been meaning to explore? Can you find a new green space near your apartment? Or what familiar green spaces can you make a note to visit a few times this week? Check out a map or ask around for green spaces you may not know about yet. 

Write down two to three locations that are easy to access. 

When should I spend time in nature?  

Can you swap an indoor activity for an outdoor one or plan weekend nature escapes? Turn an indoor meeting into a walk-and-talk or take your morning coffee outside? We do not have to be deep in the wild to connect with nature; simply standing near a tree brings benefits.  

Write down two to three “green tweaks” (easy ways to incorporate time outside into your daily activity).  

How can I stay accountable?  

Just like a doctor’s appointment or coffee date, you’re more likely to stick to a commitment when it’s written down. Prioritize your date with nature by entering it into your day planner or digital calendar. What works for your schedule? Can you set an alarm on your phone? Involving others also increases your chances of meeting your goals, so tell a friend or family member about your plan or ask them to join you on your nature date. 

Make 2025 the year you connect with nature—and reap the health reward this year and beyond. Visit Park Prescriptions now to learn more.