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Article Outline:
- Intro
- Free Park Dates
- First Day Hikes
- Free National Park Days:
- Create Fond Memories
- Fight Against Sedentary Lifestyle
- Fight Against Cabin Fever, Winter Blues & S.A.D.
- Tips and Ideas
- New Year’s Resolution
How much time did you spend outdoors in 2023? Was it enough to improve your overall wellness?
Are you aware that nature makes you smarter, stronger, healthier, happier and more productive?1
People who spend more time outdoors have a better chance of overall wellness.
Sedentary lifestyles are making it more difficult to spend adequate time moving around and getting outdoors, but they’ve become the norm, especially in urban areas. More conscious dedication to getting outdoors is necessary to counter the negative health effects associated with sedentary life and the absence of natural environments in daily life.
So how about making a New Year’s Resolution to get in out in nature by visiting the US National Parks on their free park days? It’s a great chance to improve your health while having some fun too!
>>Here is a list of the 6 FREE PARK DAYS in the USA for 2024:<<
- January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- April 20: First day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September 28: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
::FIRST DAY HIKES::
First Day Hikes are another great way to start the new year with an outdoors resolution. First Day Hikes are held on New Year’s Day, part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. Last year nearly 55,000 (2) people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 133,000 miles throughout the country! This year Ponca State Park hosted its first First Day Hike event, along with 20 other Nebraska state parks. Massachusetts DCR hosted 13 First Day Hikes, including 4 parks that have never hosted before. Florida hosts a number of First Day Hikes in the Sunshine State.
Nebraska First Day Hikes (1min video)
MassDCR First Day Hikes (2min video)
You can find an event near you by searching here: https://www.stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes/
If you missed 2024’s event (my deepest apologies for not publishing this sooner!) you can still make a resolution to join in next year. Another idea is to host your own First Day Hike or First Month Hike – gather friends and family, coworkers, or any organized group to hike together (and keep in mind, there are other ways to move around and enjoy the natural landscape than just hiking -for those who need accommodations). Make it a yearly tradition to remind yourself to keep it a priority!
Besides the US…in Ontario this week, Canadians kicked off the New Year outdoors with their annual First Day Hike event on January 1st. There are more than 114 provincial parks in Ontario, and of those, there are about 30 that are open year-round and participate in the event.
>>Free Daily Admission for Canadian Military<<
In addition, Parks Canada seeks to honor the contributions and sacrifices made by military personnel and their families by offering free daily admission to its national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas. The offer covers both veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), along with their immediate families, effective January 1, 2024. More info
::Free National Park Days::
Committing to Free National Park Days can Create Fond Memories
When it comes to health and wellness, we’re not going to start with the benefits of physical activity, because let’s face it, no matter what shape we’re in physically, good memories are what make life most worth living.
Making good memories is something we can be proactive about. A good memory might be that time you captured a photo of a rare animal sighting. It might be that seemingly mundane day you enjoyed with nothing but peace and tranquility in the middle of natural surroundings. It might be the good memories of laughter after someone in the group started screaming only to realize the spider crawling on them was merely a hanging piece of moss that grazed their neck while passing.
Visiting a national park is a great way to spend time with family, get your pets out for a great exploratory walk, meet other nature enthusiasts or spend some quality alone time in peace and quiet: hiking, biking or finding a good nook for a book.
Yet, as we all know, being outdoors can create some not-so-fond memories as well. Poison ivy, bug bites, snake encounters, or worse. The better prepared and familiar you are with nature, the better chance of having a good experience and making good memories. Check below for a few tips on how to prepare for a good trip.
Committing to Free National Park Days can Help Fight Against a Sedentary Lifestyle
You’re living a sedentary lifestyle if you spend six or more hours per day sitting or lying down and not engaging in regular, significant physical movement. Health risks associated with low activity lifestyles are obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthrosis(4), and colon and breast cancer(5).
This is not a commercial…but if you’re experiencing sleeplessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, aches and pains, weight gain, to name a few; these are signs you may be living a sedentary lifestyle.
In modern culture, it’s not uncommon to find someone sitting for hours watching TV, playing video games, using a computer (as I’m doing while writing this article); sitting at school, at work, or on long rides while commuting.
Visiting a park will help you get out and about, and restore youth to your mind and body!
Fighting Against Cabin-Fever, Winter Blues and SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder
In winter it’s easy to stay shut up indoors where it’s warm and cozy, but it’s no less important to continue being physically active. In fact, it may be even more important since this is a time when it can become more neglected -as outdoor activities move indoors and less time is spent outside in freezing temperatures.
We can be grateful for the warmth of the indoors, and since our bodies have a tendency to slow down during the cold months, it’s good to listen to our bodies and let ourselves go into semi-hibernation mode. But as with all things, balance is needed. Too much downtime can bring us down all on its own.
Cabin Fever(6) is when someone goes stir-crazy when being confined to their home for extended periods. The remedy for this one is fairly obvious -get outside! When it’s not as practical though, there are other ways to cope such as keeping a routine, finding creative outlets and making time to unplug. I always recommend journaling as well, especially if you have a window to peek out and document the subtle changes in scenery, temperature or wildlife appearances. If possible, open that window to at least let a little fresh air in every so often.
Winter Blues (7) is more associated with changes in activities and social interactions, especially after the holidays have come and gone and things get a lot more quiet and dull. It can also be tied to financial stress around holiday expenses and increased heating costs. It’s more common and usually comes and goes within a short time. Exercise, vitamin D levels, light therapy, stimulating senses…nurturing your spirit and heading to a sunnier climate are all recommendations that can be met on a Free National Park Day! Eating a healthy diet matters too. Lastly, you can see a therapist if you need extra support.
Seasonal depression, however, is a mental health condition with a clinical diagnosis. It’s triggered by the changing of the seasons themselves; when light gives way to darkness and warmth gives way to cold. This can have a noticeable effect on certain people who are more sensitive to elemental changes, and can have psychological effects as well. “It involves sadness, little interest or enjoyment from usual daily life, low energy level, tendency to gain weight and an increase in sleeping,”(8)
“As many as 35% of Canadians complain of having the “winter blues,” according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Another 10-15% have a mild form of seasonal depression, while only about 2–5% of Canadians will have a severe, clinical form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It often starts with fatigue, then symptoms of sadness, lethargy, apathy, and depression,” said Dr. Robert Levitan, the head of depression research at CAMH.” -CBC News, CA
“I’m finding that my patients just aren’t going out and exercising. They’re saying it’s just too cold” -Dr. Mel Borins, University of Toronto (9)
“People also have the temptation to go to bed earlier because there’s nothing to do. By the same token, they sleep in later than normal because the darkness lasts longer, and find it difficult to wake up without sunlight shining through the windows.” -Dr. Richard Leung, director of the sleep laboratory at Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital. (10)
(Personal Insight: One thing I do every morning is open the curtains right away. It lets the sunlight in to give more light but also helps warm the house more quickly.)
Indoor light is great, but outdoor light comes with the healing benefits of vitamin D, and to that end, light therapy treatments are on the market as well as an alternative. Talking with your doctor can help you decide what’s best for you.
On the spectrum of mental health and mood boosting, simply being in nature can give you a renewed sense of awe that inspires, motivates and recharges the natural senses, bringing more balance and calm.
“Mental health experts say that a half-hour walk in nature reduces depression in 70% of depressed people and increases self-confidence in 90% of them. Nature really does “clear the head”. People who walk in nature are much less worried and anxious. It can boost your concentration, reduce the symptoms of hyperkinetic disorder (hyperactivity; attention deficit disorder), and sharpen your senses.” (11)
A positive attitude and keeping one’s perspective in check will go a long way. The cold season is only for a reason and will end. Things are going to get better. Those of you who love the cold and winter season will probably get by a little easier. And of course, having loved ones to share quality time with always helps pass the time by easier.
::Tips and Ideas::
So, now that you’ve got a good scope of nature’s healing powers, here are some ideas and tips to get you started on your way out the door! 🙂
A few Quiet-Themed Ideas to do in a National Park:
- Meditate
- Picnic
- Paint / Draw
- Knit / Crochet
- Fish
- Bird-watch
- Read
- Cloud-watch
>> Have more ideas? Share your favorite way
to spend a day in a National Park! <<
Tips for Prepping (12)
If you’re planning to stick around main sites, some of these may not apply as much, but more extensive outings may benefit.
- Check the weather and wear appropriate clothing
- Study maps and have a clear understanding of where you’ll be and when
- Don’t go off trail, stick to a clear path and identifying markers
- Communicate with others on details and when to expect you back
- Have a plan for if you get lost (ranger desk phone numbers may come in handy)
- Carry bug spray, bear spray, a compass, flashlight, whistle, or anything that helps you feel safe
- Always have water handy and a safety kit is never a bad idea
- Wear comfortable shoes!
- Make a practice run – If you’re not used to spending a day outdoors or walking long trails, practice shorter expeditions somewhere a little more locally before making bigger jumps
Winter prepping: (13)
- Dress in layers
- Wear a hat and socks
- Use insulated containers to keep warm food and drink handy
- Use a sleeping bag liner
- Don’t forget sunscreen is still useful in winter
- Be prepared for shorter days
>> Have more tips or expertise? Please share for other readers to know! <<
::Resolution::
Suggested New Year’s Solar-Charged Resolution:
Resolution
This year, I resolve to spend a generous amount of time in nature, in response to my need for overall better health and wellness. I will take a break from the daily stresses of life by enjoying the freedom of natural environments and decompressing by walking, hiking, meditating, observing and being present in spacious outdoor settings that allow me to connect with my own thoughts and the world beyond me that my spirit and life are intertwined with. I will spend time reflecting on the mystery and wonder of the universe, having a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness [to Creator] that I belong in such a wonderful world. I will make time to give back to the world that has given so much to sustain my life and all life around me…in this year of 2024.
You can make a pledge, your own resolution or adapt this one to fit you more personally, but writing it down helps it become more concrete and sharing it with others who will help you be accountable plus share in your enthusiasm can help even more. Most importantly, get out there and keep it up!
Wishing you all a happy and blessed new year…
Resolutely,
iam:ForeverBlessed
Additional Resources:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/new-year-s-day-province-walk-trek-1.7069947
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cabin-fever
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter-over_syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202491/
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/healthandsafety/healthy-parks-healthy-people-resources.htm
1https://www.nps.gov/articles/naturesbenefits.htm?fbclid=IwAR2LN1bndkSb6k3Hx2I-9IoX_nt7okFU_ja1PCdFzJu1FUMQPNrnF_TZH4g
2https://americanhiking.org/first-day-hikes/
3https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation
4https://www.healthline.com/health/arthrosis-vs-arthritis
5https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2014/10/15/vidas-sedentarias-la-otra-epidemia-global
6https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cabin-fever
7https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_winter_blues_or_seasonal_affective_disorder_sad
8https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_winter_blues_or_seasonal_affective_disorder_sad
9https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/sad-science-why-winter-brings-us-down-but-won-t-for-long-1.2981920#:~:text=I%27m%20finding%20that,through%20the%20windows.%22
10https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/sad-science-why-winter-brings-us-down-but-won-t-for-long-1.2981920
11https://blog.sweatco.in/make-walking-in-nature-a-new-years-resolution/#:~:text=Mental%20health%20experts,sharpen%20your%20senses.
Angle & Perspective 
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