Imagine Exchanging Digital Time for Nature?
In an era dominated by digital content, streaming services have become an integral part of daily life for most of us. From binge-watching our favourite shows to discovering new music or listening to our favourite podcast. Digital platforms offer endless entertainment at our fingertips.
However, what if we told you there was a better investment for your time and money than another year of various streaming or digital services? Imagine trading some of your household subscriptions for the ultimate in healthy entertainment – a real-life adventure immersed in the beauty of nature.
Digital Spending by Households
Let’s crunch some numbers first. According to a report by Deloitte, Australian households on average spend at least $60 per month on video and music streaming services alone, that’s a whopping $700 per annum. When you add in internet access, gaming and other digital subscriptions estimates by PWC put this figure as high as $4500 per year. What if, instead of streaming and other digital services, we invested some of that money in experiences to nourish our soul and to create lifelong memories?
Think for instance of the value and joy associated with experiencing a multi-day walking experience with others. You get the excitement and health benefits of preparing for your walk (often with friends), the joy of being on tour immersed in nature and connecting with others, and then of course there’s the memories post tour. Not only are you be rewarding yourself to an unforgettable adventure, you are also investing in your personal health and wellness and lifelong memories.
The Compelling Benefits of Time in Nature
Let’s delve a little deeper into the statistics. Studies have shown that time spent in nature has numerous benefits for physical and mental health. According to research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, spending just 20 minutes in a natural setting can significantly lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and boost feelings of well-being. Imagine the transformative power of a multi-day escape amidst towering trees, pristine lakes, and majestic mountains. You certainly won’t get those benefits from short term digital and dopamine inducing stimulants.
Our experiences are also not just about the immediate personal benefits. Investing in nature-based experiences is also about investing in the future—not only yours but our planet’s! We believe it’s more important now than ever before to appreciate and preserve the natural wonders of our world. By choosing to spend your time and money on outdoor adventures, you’re not only enriching your own life but also supporting conservation efforts that ensure future generations can enjoy the same experiences.
Some Motivation to Disconnect to Reconnect
Now, we may hear you asking, “But it’s not that easy to disconnect, and what about the comfort of my couch?” Well, we know you can’t just disconnect in our modern-day world, and sure digital services offer endless options for entertainment. However, let us ask you this: when was the last time you felt truly inspired, energised, and enriched by digital services? Compare that to the rush of adrenaline as you summit a peak, or the sense of awe as you witness a breathtaking sunset from a remote mountain. Our experiences are about personal development and growth. We are firmly in the Type 2 experience category, not Type 1!
Take Stock – Consider Swapping Digital for Real
So, here’s a challenge for you: look at all your digital subscriptions, tally up the cost, and consider reallocating some of that money towards an experience immersed in nature. Whether it’s a weekend camping trip or a longer expedition, the choice is yours. Invest in experiences that feed your soul, ignite your passion for adventure, and remind you of the beauty that exists beyond the confines of binary code.
In the end, life is not remembered through the prism of short-term digital joy – it’s about the moments and experiences that take your breath away, the memories that linger long after the journey ends. So, what are you waiting for? Step outside, breathe in the fresh air and let nature be your ultimate streaming service. Trust us, the view is worth it.
Happy Walking,
Charles & The Park Trek Team
Park Trek acknowledges and pays its respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which we wander as a walking company. We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians of the lands and waterways across our continent, with histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years. We are proud to live on the planet’s oldest continent with the oldest continuous living culture. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.