The path to better mental and physical health might just begin on an actual nature hiking path.

As our society becomes more dependent on technology, we find ourselves indoors more often. Since 1988, there has been a 20 percent decrease in national park visits and an 18 to 25 percent decrease in outdoor recreation since 1981.

The average adult now spends more than 8 hours using some form of technology per day. It is also shown that women are spending less time on outdoor recreation activities compared to men*.

This is why it's so important for women to recognize the benefits of getting outside.

1. Reduced stress: People who spent two nights in a forest showed lower levels of cortisol, and an increase in vigor compared to a group who spent the same amount of time in the city.

2. Improved problem-solving: Study participants who were immersed in nature for four days scored 50 percent higher on creative problem-solving questions than those who did not.

3. Exercise: A walk or run outdoors can often result in a longer and better quality workout.

Giving Back to Other Women

We knew firsthand the positive effects of nature on our day-to-day lives so we came up with a solution. In 2014, we founded the outdoor adventure company DNK Presents because we wanted to provide a safe and fun environment for people who wanted to try something new in the outdoors and improve their quality of life.

Although getting outside can improve our quality of life and help us be the best versions of ourselves, it can be difficult to find opportunities to disconnect from technology and recharge. Research shows women are more fearful to try a new activity, as opposed to men*. This is one of the reasons we founded the Women’s Adventure Contest, a program to give back to the women in our community.

Each year we ask people to nominate a woman who could use an adventure in her life. We give away an exclusive 4-day backcountry adventure to a small, select group of women that is funded by DNK Presents with special prizes and donations from companies like Trek Bicycle, Athleta, Keen, and more.

For the past two years, the adventure contest has taken place in our home state of Indiana, but we are in the process of forming a 501(c)3 called Live Adventurously. The organization will host women’s adventure contest experiences in different areas across the U.S. Our goal is to improve the lives of women by disconnecting from technology, immersing them in nature, and creating a supportive, empowering environment that encourages them to try something for the first time. We’ve seen many women who would never take the time to do something for themselves, don’t have the funds, or don’t believe they could camp, hike, mountain bike or rock climb. Through this contest, we are able to give the gift of adventure.

We are so excited to bring more people, especially women, to the great outdoors. By expanding beyond Indiana, we will provide more women with the opportunity to experience an adventure. In turn, we will fill our communities with happier, healthier, more confident people positively contributing to society and living lives that are filled with adventure.

Other Ways Donors Can Get Involved:

  • To ensure everyone has access to the outdoors, support the U.S. National Park Foundation.
  • Appreciating nature often starts in childhood. Outdoor mentoring programs give you the chance to connect with a young person and provide them access to adventure.

*McNiel, J.N., Harris, D.A. & Fondren, K.M. Gend. Issues (2012) 29: 39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-012-9111-1

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Original contribution by Danielle Wolter Nolan, co-founder of DNK Presents.