This national initiative wants you to spend time outdoors this month & you can win prizes

We’re into the official last month of summer, which means many of us will probably want to spend time outside before Canada’s infamous winters. And spending time outside is just what this new national initiative is all about, with the added bonus of prizes.

Hosted by Mazda and ParticipACTION throughout the month of August, the initiative is about taking 50 minutes, three times per week, to spend in nature “to enhance” their wellbeing.

If you haven’t heard of them previously, ParticipACTION is a national “non-profit charitable organization that inspires and supports Canadians to make physical activity a vital part of their everyday life.”

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The CX-50 Minute Challenge runs from August 1 to 31, with every 50 active minutes tracked in the ParticipACTION app, and giving Canadians a chance to win. According to a release, there are more than $30,000 in prizes available, with weekly draws that include gift cards from outdoor gear and outfitters, and a grand prize at the end of August.

“We know that time spent in nature can make us healthier. Our heart rate goes down, our mind becomes clearer and calmer, and physical tension decreases,” said Dr. Leigh Vanderloo, Scientific Director at ParticipACTION. “Adults are encouraged to get 150 minutes of physical activity per week, with added health benefits if we can take this activity outdoors.”

From parks, to lakes and forests, the best part about Canada is the vast amount of nature we have from coast to coast. Even in a city, a quick drive or transit ride out can take us right into a quiet nature area to enjoy a long walk.

So get outdoors, and (hopefully) get winning!