Americans are craving outdoor time more than ever before — here’s why

David Landsel
·2 min read
A woman and a child watering plants
A woman and a child watering plants

We want out.

Americans need an average of 67 minutes outside every day in order to feel their best, new research reveals.

A poll of 2,000 adults found that a record number of us (57%) value the concept of maximizing their daily time in the great outdoors.

Americans need an average of 67 minutes outside every day in order to feel their best, new research reveals. FatCamera
Americans need an average of 67 minutes outside every day in order to feel their best, new research reveals. FatCamera

People who spent time outside said they found it relaxing (68%), improves mood (66%) and leaves them with a clearer head (64%).

Conversely, spending too much time indoors resulted in feelings of depression (38%), anxiety (33%) and loneliness (32%), according to the survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of RVshare.

Six in 10 (58%) say they go stir-crazy after too much time inside — the average threshold being 10.5 hours, South West News Service reported.

Bad weather — bad enough to derail plans to go outside — resulted in bad feelings, many respondents said.

Six in 10 (58%) say they go stir-crazy after too much time inside — the average threshold being 10.5 hours. andreswd
Six in 10 (58%) say they go stir-crazy after too much time inside — the average threshold being 10.5 hours. andreswd

Forty-eight percent said they were disappointed when activities were curtailed due to climate. Others felt frustration (32%) and annoyance (28%).

“From enhanced mood to feelings of relaxation and wellbeing, there are so many physical and mental benefits that come from breaking through the four walls and exploring open-air adventures and activities,” RVshare’s CEO Jon Gray said.

“From enhanced mood to feelings of relaxation and wellbeing, there are so many physical and mental benefits that come from breaking through the four walls and exploring open-air adventures and activities,” RVshare’s CEO Jon Gray said. PaulMaguire
“From enhanced mood to feelings of relaxation and wellbeing, there are so many physical and mental benefits that come from breaking through the four walls and exploring open-air adventures and activities,” RVshare’s CEO Jon Gray said. PaulMaguire

“During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we are encouraged to be mindful of how we’re spending our time and factor outdoor experiences into our everyday lives, including our travel plans,” he continued.

Nearly 60% of the respondents said their favorite al fresco activities benefited their mental health as well as physical health.

A whopping 67% of Americans said they view travel as self-care. Four in 10 (42%) said they had to travel, or “escape” at least once every six months.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in travel preferences, researchers said — more of us are traveling to places in nature, with one-third of us booking vacations around outdoor activities.

A whopping 83% of respondents said that outdoor-centric travel was having a positive impact on American lives.

“A key takeaway here is that spending time in nature and on the open road while traveling has both physical and mental benefits,” said Gray.

“Whether soaking up the sun, hiking a new trail or gazing up at the starry sky, we’ve all experienced the invaluable renewal, mental clarity and freeness that comes from being outdoors.”