The Elim Connection, April 2023

LET'S GET OUTSIDE!
& TRACK OUR PROGRESS
Did you know that children between the ages of 3 – 18 spend on average 246 minutes a day in front of
1
screens? That’s 4.1 hours, or roughly a quarter of all waking hours!
We’re excited for this community initiative, which is not about exercising, but
about being in and being connected to nature. Join us and reap the benefi ts!
Here’s the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the challenge:
In response to alarming statistics such as these, one couple decided to intentionally prioritize outdoor
time with their children. Their research and now fi rst-hand experience convinced them that time
outside provides a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefi ts, including:
REDUCED STRESS AND ANXIETY:
It lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone),
which reduces anxiety and depression
BETTER SLEEP: Exposure to natural light
and fresh air regulates the body's natural
sleep-wake cycle, leading to better sleep
IMPROVED PHYSICAL HEALTH: It provides
opportunities for exercise and exposure
to sunlight, boosting vitamin D production,
which strengthens bones and muscles
IMPROVED MOOD: It increases feelings
of happiness and improves one’s mood
This couple’s intentional living catalysed a global movement, inspiring people of all ages to prioritize
time outside. At ELIM, we’re inspired too. Did you know that spending just 20 minutes in an evergreen
forest can increase your immune system response by up to 54%? There are so many creative (and also
2
simple) ways to enjoy being outside, and so many benefi ts. For this reason, we are launching the
ELIM-wide initiative LET'S GET OUTSIDE! & TRACK OUR PROGRESS.
WHO: You! All ELIM residents (both sites!), staff,
family members, and friends of our communities
are welcome to participate.
WHAT: Let's Get Outside! & Track Our Progress
WHERE: Anywhere outside. It could be sitting
on your balcony, gardening, taking a walk, reading
a book outside (see the back of this enclosed
worksheet for ideas!)
WHEN: The challenge is for fi ve months, starting
May 1st and ending September 30th.
WHY: Honestly, the benefi ts are innumerable.
Basically, we want to challenge you to create a
habit and increase your health by getting outside!
And what better time to do it than in the glorious
light of spring and summer!
HOW: Keep this enclosed tracker in a safe
place and set your intention to start spending
time outside effective May 1st. Do the challenge
solo, or buddy up with a friend. Set a target for
yourself—whether it's 30 minutes or an hour,
everyday or every-other day. The amount of time
you spend outside is totally up to you!
1 Madigan S, Eirich R, Pador P, McArthur BA, Neville RD. Assessment of Changes in Child and Adolescent Screen Time
During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2022;176(12):1188–1198. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.4116
2 Chae, Y.; Lee, S.; Jo, Y.; Kang, S.; Park, S.; Kang, H. The Effects of Forest Therapy on Immune Function. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 8440. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168440
10 THE ELIM CONNECTION SPRING 2023