ONE HOUR OUTSIDE CHALLENGE

Will you join me for a month of getting outside every day in November? The annual One Hour Outside challenge returns.

This November marks the eleventh year of my One Hour Outside Challenge. Eleven Novembers of choosing to step out, even when everything in me wants to stay in. Eleven Novembers of damp socks, golden leaves, and the occasional moment of magic. And this year, more than ever, I need it.

One Hour Outside is for every day of the year. It’s a habit I return to again and again – because it helps. But I choose to run this challenge in November because, let’s be honest, we can all do with a little extra motivation at this time of year. The mornings are dark, the evenings come too soon, and the weather rarely invites us out with open arms. That’s exactly why this challenge exists: to gently nudge us outdoors, even when it’s not the easiest choice.

Splodz Blogz | Quirky Stay at The Magic Mushroom — One Hour Outside idea: Yes, sitting outside with your laptop counts.

The challenge is simple: spend one hour outside every day for the month. That’s 30 hours in 30 days. But let me say this clearly – while an hour is a brilliant aim, 15 minutes is perfectly good. Especially if you’re currently struggling to see any of the outside at all. This is not about perfection. It’s about intention.

For some, getting outside is already part of the rhythm of life. If you have a dog, for example, you might already be clocking up your outdoor time without thinking about it. You might not need the extra motivation of a month-long challenge like this. But for those who do – those who find themselves stuck indoors, overwhelmed, or just a bit disconnected – this is here for you.

And yes, daylight hours can be tricky. If you’re working full-time, commuting, juggling responsibilities, it might be hard to carve out an hour in the light. But fresh air matters even if it’s before sunrise or after sunset. A walk under streetlights, a pause on the doorstep, a moment in the garden with a head torch – it all counts.

Splodz Blogz | Rohan Aira Ultra-Lightweight Waterproof Jacket — One Hour Outside idea: Take in the view.

Why One Hour Outside?

Because it helps. Truly. Time outdoors can lift your mood, calm your mind, and give your body a bit of movement. Even the scientists say so, and I wrote about some of that here. It’s not about fitness (though it can be). Or about adventure (though it might be). It’s about noticing. Breathing. Being.

For me, this year, it’s about finding a bit of peace in the midst of grief. I’ve written elsewhere about how I’m learning to live with loss, and I won’t repeat all that here. But I will say this: getting outside every day helps. It’s a way to honour what was, and to stay present with what is. And I know I’m not the only one who needs that.

Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by work. Perhaps you’re caring for someone. Maybe you’re just tired of being indoors. Or you want to feel more connected, more grounded, more alive. Whatever your reason, One Hour Outside is for you.

What Counts?

Everything. A walk to the shop. A sit in the garden. A stomp through the woods. A coffee on a bench. A run, a ramble, a moment leaning on a gate. It doesn’t have to be far, or fancy, or photogenic. It just has to be outside.

Your hour might be broken into chunks. It might be part of your commute. Spent watching your kids play, or walking the dog, or hanging out the washing. It might be quiet. Or social. It might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.

Splodz Blogz | Porthcawl Beach — One Hour Outside idea: Go to the sea side. Yes, in November.

How to Join In

Make a plan. Look at your diary. Where can you fit in your hour – or your 15 minutes? What might you do?
Keep it simple. You don’t need special gear (though waterproof shoes and a coat will probably help). You don’t need a car. You don’t need a reason.
Track your progress. Use a journal, a photo diary, or just a tick on the calendar. Share on social media with #OneHourOutside if you like – I’ll be posting daily over on Instagram: @Splodz.
Invite others. A friend, a colleague, your kids. Or invite yourself to tag along with others. It can be easier (and more fun) together.
Be kind to yourself. If you miss a day, start again. If an hour feels too much, start with ten minutes. This is about encouragement, not perfection.

Splodz Blogz | Picnic on a hill in Wales — One Hour Outside idea: Picnics always count!

Need Ideas?

There are loads of suggestions on Splodz Blogz, from walking routes to garden moments to ways to make the most of your lunch break:

Or just look out the window and follow your curiosity. What’s down that path? What colour are the leaves today? What does the air feel like on your skin?

Splodz Blogz | Clent Hills Hike - Four Stones — One Hour Outside idea: Learn some history.

One Hour Outside: Let’s Do This

November isn’t always easy. It’s dark, damp, and often a bit meh. But it’s also full of small wonders – misty mornings, crunchy leaves, the smell of woodsmoke, the hush before winter. Let’s go find them.

So, will you join me? One Hour Outside, every day in November 2025. A challenge, a habit, a gift to yourself.

Grab your coat. Lace up your shoes. Open the door. Let’s make this month a little more outdoorsy, together.