14 Easy Ways to Be More Sustainable in 2023 | Move For Hunger
1. Grow Your Own Food · 2. Start a Compost · 3. Use Cold Water · 4. Lose the Single-Use Products · 5. Unplug Your Devices · 6. Use Less Water · 7. Use Eco-Friendly ...
Studies show
Step away from your electronics and spend more time outside! <anchor>Studies show</anchor> that spending as little as 20 minutes outside reduces stress and anxiety, and helps you sleep better! The more time you spend outside each day, the more likely you are to behave in environmentally-friendly ways, such as recycling, riding a bike, buying eco-friendly products, and so much more!
Time Spent Outside Reduces Stress | Park Pulse | National Recreation and Park Association
Time Spent Outside Reduces Stress \| Park Pulse \| National Recreation and Park Association

[![National Recreation and Park Association](/contentassets/603fba2515ce4ee09a40ffefb6455017/nrpa-rgb-horizontal.svg)](/)

# The National Recreation and Parks Association

☰MENU

- [About](/about-national-recreation-and-park-association/ "About")
- [Join](/membership/ "Join")
- [Connect](https://connect.nrpa.org/home "Connect")
- [Store](https://apps.nrpa.org/store "Store")
- [Login](http://www.nrpa.org/EpiserverSSO/SSO.aspx?RetUrl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.nrpa.org%2fpublications-research%2fpark-pulse%2ftime-spent-outside-reduces-stress%2f "Login")
- [Donate](/donate/ "Donate")

![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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)

- [Our Work](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/ "Our Work")






- [Grant and Fundraising Resources](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/Grant-Fundraising-Resources/ "Grant and Fundraising Resources")
- [Our Three Pillars](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/Three-Pillars/ "Our Three Pillars")
  - [Health and Wellness](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/Three-Pillars/health-wellness/ "Health and Wellness")
  - [Equity](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/Three-Pillars/equity/ "Equity")
  - [Conservation](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/Three-Pillars/conservation/ "Conservation")
- [Advocacy](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/advocacy/ "Advocacy")
  - [Legislative Platform](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/advocacy/legislative-platform/ "Legislative Platform")
  - [The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/advocacy/the-land-and-water-conservation-fund-lwcf/ "The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)")
  - [Park and Recreation Month](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/advocacy/parkandrecreationmonth/ "Park and Recreation Month")
  - [Take Action](https://nrpa.quorum.us/action_center/ "Take Action")
  - [Park Champion™ Initiative](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/advocacy/Park-Champions/ "Park Champion™ Initiative")
  - [Community Project Funding Is Essential for Park Projects](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/advocacy/keep-earmarks-open-to-park-projects/ "Community Project Funding Is Essential for Park Projects")

- [NRPA Awards](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/ "NRPA Awards")
  - [About NRPA's Awards](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/about-nrpas-awards/ "About NRPA's Awards")
  - [Innovation Awards](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/innovation-awards/ "Innovation Awards")
  - [Spotlight Awards](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/spotlight-awards/ "Spotlight Awards")
  - [Scholarships and Fellowships](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/scholarships-and-fellowships/ "Scholarships and Fellowships")
  - [30 Under 30](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/30-under-30/ "30 Under 30")
  - [Robert W Crawford Hall of Fame](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/halloffame/ "Robert W Crawford Hall of Fame")
  - [National Gold Medal Award](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/goldmedal/ "National Gold Medal Award")

- [Scholarships and Fellowships](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/scholarships/ "Scholarships and Fellowships")
- [Parks Build Community](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/parksbuildcommunity/ "Parks Build Community")
- [Building a Movement](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/building-a-movement/ "Building a Movement")
  - [Parks and Recreation Is Essential](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/building-a-movement/parks-and-recreation-is-essential/ "Parks and Recreation Is Essential")
- [NRPA Partnerships](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/partnerships/ "NRPA Partnerships")
  - [Initiatives](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/partnerships/initiatives/ "Initiatives")
  - [How to Partner](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/partnerships/partner-with-us/ "How to Partner")
- [Aquatics](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/aquatics/ "Aquatics")
- [Playgrounds](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/playground-safety/ "Playgrounds")
- [Urban Parks](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/urban-parks/ "Urban Parks")
- [Success Stories](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/success--stories/ "Success Stories")
- [Volunteer with NRPA](https://connect.nrpa.org/getinvolved/volunteeropportunities "Volunteer with NRPA")
- [Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)](https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/coronavirus-disease-2019/ "Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)")

[![](/link/86456e4870354aada7a46adb29d23886.aspx)](/link/f04b25b0bf34448c92d00a28db2bd03f.aspx)

Host a Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz this September to educate your community about pollinators, gain knowledge about local species, make your parks more sustainable and be entered to win one of three $1,000 prizes or one of three prize packs.

- [Careers](https://www.nrpa.org/careers-education/ "Careers")






- [Jobs in Parks and Recreation](https://www.nrpa.org/careers-education/careers/ "Jobs in Parks and Recreation")
  - [Career Center](https://www.nrpa.org/careers-education/careers/career-center/ "Career Center")
  - [Choosing a Career in Parks and Recreation](https://www.nrpa.org/careers-education/careers/choosing-a-career-in-parks-and-recreation/ "Choosing a Career in Parks and Recreation")
  - [Peer to Peer Career Advice](https://www.nrpa.org/careers-education/careers/peer-to-peer-career-advice/ "Peer to Peer Career Advice")
- [Professional Development](https://www.nrpa.org/careers-education/certificate-programs/ "Professional Development")
- [NRPA Digital Badges](https://www.nrpa.org/careers-education/nrpa-digital-badges/ "NRPA Digital Badges")

[![](/link/fd2c464582dc40f99989002b70ff3fc8.aspx)](https://learning.nrpa.org/ "NRPA Online Learning")

**[NRPA Online Learning](https://learning.nrpa.org/ "NRPA Online Learning")** is a cost-effective and flexible way to educate staff, provide training and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) without leaving the comfort of your home or office.

- [Education](https://learning.nrpa.org/ "Education")
- [Certification](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/ "Certification")






- [Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPRP/ "Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification")
  - [Become a CPRP](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPRP/become-a-cprp/ "Become a CPRP")
  - [Renew Your CPRP Certification](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPRP/cprp-renewal/ "Renew Your CPRP Certification")
  - [CPRP Exam](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPRP/the-cprp-exam/ "CPRP Exam")
  - [CPRP Prep Materials and Resources](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPRP/cprp-resources/ "CPRP Prep Materials and Resources")
  - [CPRP Registry](http://www.nrpa.org/cprp_registry/default.aspx "CPRP Registry")
  - [CPRP Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPRP/cprp-frequently-asked-questions/ "CPRP Frequently Asked Questions")
- [Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPSI/ "Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification")
  - [Become a CPSI](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPSI/become-a-cpsi/ "Become a CPSI")
  - [CPSI Course Calendar](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPSI/cpsi-course-calendar/ "CPSI Course Calendar")
  - [Renew Your CPSI Certification](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPSI/cpsi-renewal/ "Renew Your CPSI Certification")
  - [Become a CPSI Instructor](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPSI/become-a-cpsi-instructor/ "Become a CPSI Instructor")
  - [Host a CPSI Course](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPSI/host-a-cpsi-course/ "Host a CPSI Course")
  - [CPSI Prep Materials and Resources](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPSI/resources-and-links/ "CPSI Prep Materials and Resources")
  - [CPSI Registry](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPSI/cpsi-online-registry/ "CPSI Registry")

- [Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/cpre/ "Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification")
  - [Become a CPRE](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/cpre/become-a-cpre/ "Become a CPRE")
  - [Renew Your CPRE Certification](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/cpre/cpre-renewal/ "Renew Your CPRE Certification")
  - [CPRE Exam](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/cpre/cpre-examination/ "CPRE Exam")
  - [CPRE Prep Materials and Resources](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/cpre/cpre-resources/ "CPRE Prep Materials and Resources")
  - [CPRE Registry](http://www.nrpa.org/cpre_registry/default.aspx "CPRE Registry")
  - [CPRE Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/cpre/cpre-faq/ "CPRE Frequently Asked Questions")
- [Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/AFO/ "Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification")
  - [Become an AFO](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/AFO/become-an-afo/ "Become an AFO")
  - [AFO Course Calendar](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/AFO/afo-course-schedule/ "AFO Course Calendar")
  - [Renew Your AFO Certification](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/AFO/afo-renewal/ "Renew Your AFO Certification")
  - [Become an AFO Instructor](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/AFO/become-an-afo-instructor/ "Become an AFO Instructor")
  - [Host an AFO Course](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/AFO/AFO-Course-Hosting/ "Host an AFO Course")
  - [AFO Prep Materials and Resources](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/AFO/aquatic-standards-and-resources/ "AFO Prep Materials and Resources")
  - [AFO Registry](http://www.nrpa.org/afo_registry/default.aspx "AFO Registry")

- [CAPRA Agency Accreditation](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CAPRA-LP/ "CAPRA Agency Accreditation")
- [NRPA Digital Badges](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/nrpa-digital-badges/ "NRPA Digital Badges")
- [CPRP and CPRE Eligibility Requirements](https://www.nrpa.org/certification/cprp-and-cpre-eligibility-updates/ "CPRP and CPRE Eligibility Requirements")

[![](/link/c70b0609f0a44bd79387582f44dad855.aspx)](/link/4911484f5ab64ab99c92dd182d06176d.aspx "Become a CPRP")

Becoming a **[Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)](/link/4911484f5ab64ab99c92dd182d06176d.aspx "Become a CPRP")** will not only keep your expertise fresh, but also help you achieve greater health, resilience and equity outcomes in your community. **[Become a CPRP](/link/4911484f5ab64ab99c92dd182d06176d.aspx "Become a CPRP")**

- [Conference & Events](https://www.nrpa.org/events/ "Conference & Events")






- [NRPA Annual Conference](https://conference.nrpa.org/ "NRPA Annual Conference")
  - [Exhibit at the Conference](https://www.nrpa.org/events/nrpa-annual-conference/exhibit/ "Exhibit at the Conference")
- [Earth Month](https://www.nrpa.org/events/earth-month/ "Earth Month")

- [Industry Calendar](https://www.nrpa.org/events/industry-calendar/ "Industry Calendar")
- [Park and Recreation Month](https://www.nrpa.org/events/july/ "Park and Recreation Month")
  - [Park and Recreation Month Toolkit](https://www.nrpa.org/events/july/toolkit/ "Park and Recreation Month Toolkit")
  - [Proclaim July as Park and Recreation Month In Your Community](https://www.nrpa.org/events/july/proclamation-tips/ "Proclaim July as Park and Recreation Month In Your Community")
  - [Park and Recreation Professionals Day](https://www.nrpa.org/events/july/park-and-recreation-professionals-day/ "Park and Recreation Professionals Day")
  - [Donate to NRPA and Receive Park and Recreation Month Store Credit](https://www.nrpa.org/donate/ "Donate to NRPA and Receive Park and Recreation Month Store Credit")

- [Family Health & Fitness Day](https://www.nrpa.org/events/family-fitness-day/ "Family Health & Fitness Day")
- [Mental Health Awareness Month](https://www.nrpa.org/events/mental-health-month/ "Mental Health Awareness Month")
- [Family Health & Fitness Day Events](https://www.nrpa.org/events/family-health-fitness-day-events/ "Family Health & Fitness Day Events")

[![](/link/a523354fbeda40c694075b1cf5e5cd1d.aspx)](/link/08527af904294b02bae8842cc8f805a7.aspx "NRPA Annual Conference")

[**Learn more**](https://conference.nrpa.org/ "NRPA Conference") about the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, taking place October 8-10 in Atlanta, Georgia!

- [Publications & Research](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/ "Publications & Research")






- [Parks & Recreation Magazine](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/parks--recreation-magazine/ "Parks & Recreation Magazine")
  - [Ezine Edition](https://ezine.nrpa.org/ "Ezine Edition")
  - [Advertising](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/parks--recreation-magazine/advertising/ "Advertising")
- [Parks & Recreation Online Field Guide](https://nrpa.officialbuyersguide.net/ "Parks & Recreation Online Field Guide")
- [Open Space Blog & Podcast](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/blog/ "Open Space Blog & Podcast")
- [NRPA Research Reports](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/research-papers/ "NRPA Research Reports")
  - [Summer Seasonal Hiring Report](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/research-papers/summer-seasonal-hiring-report/ "Summer Seasonal Hiring Report")

- [NRPA Park Metrics](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/ParkMetrics/ "NRPA Park Metrics")
- [NRPA Park Pulse Surveys](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/park-pulse/ "NRPA Park Pulse Surveys")
  - [At Peace in Local Parks](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/park-pulse/at-peace-in-local-parks/ "At Peace in Local Parks")
  - [Finding Your Green Thumb](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/park-pulse/finding-your-green-thumb/ "Finding Your Green Thumb")
  - [Informing the Local Community](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/park-pulse/informing-the-local-community/ "Informing the Local Community")
- [NRPA Parks Snapshot Surveys](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/parks-snapshot-surveys/ "NRPA Parks Snapshot Surveys")
- [Journals](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/nrpa-journals/ "Journals")
- [NRPA Facility Market Reports](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/FMR/ "NRPA Facility Market Reports")
- [Evaluation Resource Hub](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/evaluation-resource-hub/ "Evaluation Resource Hub")
  - [Defining Data](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/evaluation-resource-hub/defining-data/ "Defining Data")
- [Park and Recreation Stories: Your story starts here](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/park-and-recreation-stories-your-story-starts-here/ "Park and Recreation Stories: Your story starts here")
- [Best Practice Resources](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/best-practice-resources/ "Best Practice Resources")
- [Parks and Recreation Is Essential](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/parks-and-recreation-is-essential/ "Parks and Recreation Is Essential")
- [Equity in Practice Resource Library](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/equity-in-practice-resource-library/ "Equity in Practice Resource Library")
- [Data and Mapping Resource Library](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/data-and-mapping-resource-library/ "Data and Mapping Resource Library")

- [Press Room](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/press--room/ "Press Room")
- [Email Newsletters](https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/email-newsletters/ "Email Newsletters")

[![](/link/3d3181439c704aaf91b62801679c63ca.aspx)](/link/313ee64f705746e49861acbdbbc13bd4.aspx "Open Space Radio")

[**Open Space Radio**](/link/313ee64f705746e49861acbdbbc13bd4.aspx "Open Space Radio") is a biweekly podcast that covers the latest trends and news in the field of parks and recreation and aims to cover unique and interesting stories.

- [Profile](https://forms.nrpa.org/profile "Profile")

- [Home](/ "Home")
- [Publications & Research](/link/ceebe47cc0cb4e778fdac58a61c3470b.aspx "Publications & Research")
- [NRPA Park Pulse Surveys](/link/a4213755439549528ef183b2f4250270.aspx "NRPA Park Pulse Surveys")
- Time Spent Outside Reduces Stress

# Time Spent Outside Reduces Stress

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/f_auto,q_70/2021-October-Park-Pulse-Featured-Image-410.jpg)

Local parks and trails provide an ideal opportunity for everyone to get outside each day. As little as 20 minutes a day spent outdoors helps reduce stress. Nearly all (96 percent) U.S. adults spend some time outside every day. Age can impact time spent outdoors, with Gen X spending the most time outside and Gen Z spending the least amount of time outdoors.

### Key Findings:

- Fifty-eight percent of U.S. adults spend more than 30 minutes a day outside
- A third of all U.S. adults spend more than an hour a day outside
- Gen X (39 percent) are more likely than adults overall (33 percent) to spend more than an hour outdoors daily
- Gen Z (9 percent) are more likely than adults overall (4 percent) to **not** go outside during the day

### ![](/contentassets/41688440468e43f98355d9dbd5d0383e/pr0921_parkpulse.jpg)

## Additional Resources

- October 4, 2021: [U.S. Adults Value Time Spent Outside, Survey Finds](https://www.nrpa.org/about-national-recreation-and-park-association/press-room/u.s.-adults-value-time-spent-outside-survey-finds/ "park pulse press release") (Press Release)

## Contact Us

For more information about NRPA Park Pulse:

- Questions about polls and methodology, contact [Melissa May](mailto:mmay@nrpa.org "Contact Melissa May about Park Pulse Polls and Methodology").
- For media inquiries, contact [Danielle Doll](mailto:ddoll@nrpa.org "Contact Danielle Doll").

# News Stories

### Related

- ![OurCounty Cover 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/OurCounty-Cover-410.jpg)


### [Parks as a Cornerstone of Sustainability](https://www.nrpa.org/blog/parks-as-a-cornerstone-of-sustainability/)





[Read more](https://www.nrpa.org/blog/parks-as-a-cornerstone-of-sustainability/ "Read more")

- ![Ward 8 DC 410 1](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Ward%208-DC-410-1.jpg)


### [Free Food Program is Eradicating Health Disparities](https://www.nrpa.org/success-stories/free-food-program-is-eradicating-health-disparities/)





[Read More](https://www.nrpa.org/success-stories/free-food-program-is-eradicating-health-disparities/ "Read More")

- ![0924 we are parks recreation briding the play gap 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/0924-we-are-parks-recreation-briding-the-play-gap-410.jpg)


### [Bridging the Play Gap](https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2024/september/bridging-the-play-gap/)





[Read more](https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2024/september/bridging-the-play-gap/ "Read more")


![](/Static/img/nrpa-new-logo.png)

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

22377 Belmont Ridge Rd

Ashburn, VA 20148-4501

PH: 800.626.NRPA (6772)

[Contact Us](https://www.nrpa.org/link/d2e65a41598f4969a473f92ace9f2381.aspx "Contact NRPA")

[Press Inquiries](https://www.nrpa.org/link/971c8c0a005c4037bb2cfacfe284c847.aspx "Press Inquiries") [Privacy Policy](https://www.nrpa.org/link/5a1e759748cb4d7e8294a687eaa533a7.aspx "privacy policy for the National Recreation and Park Association")

![Parks & Recreation Field Guide](/contentassets/603fba2515ce4ee09a40ffefb6455017/field-guide-2021-2022-110x145.jpg)

#### Parks & Recreation Field Guide

The Field Guide delivers suppliers, vendors and service providers to park and recreation agencies throughout the United States and Canada.

[Learn More](https://www.nationalrecreationandparksassociation-digital.com/nrpad/2021_2022_field_guide "Learn More")

#### Engage With Us

XClose