You started hiking or jogging outdoors on a whim. Maybe it was a pandemic habit, a friend’s invitation, or a desire for peace. But now? You want more. You want it to stick. You want your time in nature to evolve from an occasional activity into a core part of your life.
According to the 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, while the number of participants in outdoor activities continues to rise, frequency is dropping. Many are dabbling, but few are sticking with it. That’s where you come in. This guide is your map from casual to core—a practical, heart-forward plan to make outdoor time a consistent, meaningful, and joyful habit.
1. Redefine What Counts
Going outdoors doesn’t have to mean summiting mountains or spending hours on a trail. A 15-minute walk through a city park, sketching in your backyard, or even stretching in morning light counts. Let go of the all-or-nothing mindset.
2. Design for Consistency, Not Heroics
Build routines around your real life. Try:
2 short hikes per week
A weekly sketch session outside
A daily five-minute “sit-and-sense” practice on your balcony or trail
These small rituals create momentum without overwhelm.
3. Track What You Love (Not Just What You Do)
Keep a log or sketchbook—not just of your outings, but of how they made you feel. Did that early morning forest walk calm your nerves? Did sketching a leaf spark creative joy? These notes deepen motivation.
4. Bundle It With Other Joys
Listen to a podcast. Bring your dog. Invite a friend. Carry a thermos of tea. The more enjoyable your outing is, the more likely you are to repeat it.
5. Create Mini-Challenges
Gamify your practice:
Sketch 10 different trees this month
Explore 3 new local trails
Journal one “outdoor win” per week
Challenges create structure and fun without pressure.
6. Join a Like-Minded Community
Find (or start) a local hike-and-sketch group, mindful movement club, or outdoor art challenge online. Community brings accountability, inspiration, and connection.
7. Let the Seasons Guide You
Your routine doesn’t need to be static. In summer, hike more. In winter, sketch from your window or visit botanical conservatories. Let your habits shift with the light.
Your Outdoor Life, Your Way
Becoming a “core” outdoor participant isn’t about gear or milestones—it’s about building a relationship with nature that supports your well-being, creativity, and clarity.
Start where you are. Return often. Let it grow.