As we embark on the journey into 2024, let’s blend the pursuit of personal wellness with a commitment to nature conservation. In the spirit of the New Year we are sharing insightful tips on how you can seamlessly integrate outdoor activities into your New Year Resolutions, fostering a healthier lifestyle while contributing to the preservation of our environment.
Track the Changes and Contribute to Science:
Amidst the evolving climate and its cascading effects on nature, Mayes suggests a profound way to connect with the environment—participate in community science projects. Nature’s Notebook, a project by the USA National Phenology Network, invites volunteers to document the seasonal timing of plants and animals. These collective data points contribute to long-term records vital for research and policymaking.
Ditch the Gym, Exercise Outdoors, and Contribute to Clean-Up:
Health resolutions often top the list, and Mayes proposes a unique twist for 2024—swap the gym for outdoor exercise. Nature, with its stress-reducing benefits and immune system boosts, becomes the ideal gym. From hiking to rock climbing, numerous outdoor activities can elevate your heart rate and invigorate muscles.
Moreover, the concept of “plogging,” combining jogging with picking up trash, aligns physical fitness with environmental stewardship. Additionally, Nebraska Game and Parks’ kayak clean-up events provide an opportunity to learn kayaking basics while contributing to environmental cleanliness.
Give Back to Nature:
Mayes advocates for giving back to nature in multiple ways. Contributing to wildlife research through community science projects, instilling stewardship into daily routines, and supporting wildlife research financially are powerful avenues. Initiatives like the Wildlife Conservation Fund and the purchase of a Mountain Lion Conservation License Plate aid Nebraska’s wildlife preservation efforts.
For a more hands-on approach, Mayes recommends joining the Nebraska Master Naturalist program. This initiative recruits, trains, and manages naturalist volunteers who, in turn, contribute valuable volunteer hours to support Nebraska’s wildlife and natural spaces.
Nature’s Impact on New Year Resolutions:
Shifting the focus to more traditional New Year resolutions, studies reveal that spending time in nature aligns with the common goals of losing weight, saving money, and improving mental health. Nature not only promotes physical activity but also enhances mental well-being, simultaneously addressing these popular resolutions.
Outdoor Lifestyle Improvement:
Encouraging individuals to make spending time outdoors their top resolution, Mayes emphasizes the financial benefits of outdoor activities over expensive gym memberships or entertainment options. Enjoying nature with friends and family not only amplifies the experience but also fosters positive social connections, contributing to mental well-being.
Mayes urges everyone to reflect on these resolutions, connecting with nature in 2024. By intertwining personal wellness goals with environmental stewardship, individuals can enjoy a fulfilling and purposeful year ahead.