I attended a "Green Trades Conference", which is for the Saskatchewan Greenhouse Growers Association, in November of 2018.  One of the speakers had an interesting slide, about how much time we spend indoors now.  I guess I'm not the average, as most of my career has been spent outside (at least in the summer in Canada).  Days scouting fields, looking at agricultural issues and at the paintball field all weekend.  The slide is summarized below:

• 90% of people spend 22 hours per day indoors.
• Children spend less than 1 hour per day outside.
• Humans have migrated indoors and in front of screens.
• Problems from being indoors: Obesity, cholesterol, depression, anxiety and insomnia.

I just read great Facebook post from a fellow Paintball Field owner, Reiner Schafer (TNT Paintball near Victoria, British Columbia), I've never met Reiner in person but chat online once in a while.  He is a little older than myself, but he grew up in the 60's and 70's.  He had lots of freedom and played outdoors while he grew up, sometimes miles from home with his friends at every chance he got, might have missed a few meals even.  Mom and Dad didn't know where they were, but to be home by supper.  Reiner's children of the 80's and 90's, were watched by Mom (with Dad's consent) and didn't venture far, like he used to growing up.  Today's children are never bored, as they always have a handheld device to play with.  These children don't play with each other at the playground, but they play online with their friends.  The playgrounds are empty  No new forts are build in the woods.  We as paintball field operators are seeing less regular players, like the 80's and 90's every week, the old guys are quitting due to age, and there is no new young generation to fill in.  The paintball fields do okay with a fun and safe Birthday Parties for kids and 20 year olds, and bachelor parties (that the brides know their grooms can't get into too much trouble), but these are almost bucket list events, to do once in a life time, rather than every weekend.

The Hunting industry has the R3 Program.  "RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND REACTIVATION, “R3” is an important issue for anyone concerned about wildlife management, conservation and the future of our hunting traditions."  They have noticed the same thing as the Reiner.

If you do want to get outdoors more often, the following list might help.

Here are some great reasons to spend more time outdoors.

• Generally, the outside air is cleaner inside (maybe a problem outside air issue in Los Angeles and China), but here on the prairies (unless there is a forest fire) the air is great.
  
• It's better for your eyes - Computer screens are hard on your eyes.
• Outside will reduce stress levels - relax around the fire pit and enjoy the day and evening.
• You absorb Vitamin D from the sun (15 minutes of direct sun does wonders).
  
• Being outside, gets you moving - exercise.
  
• More energy after a walk?  You bet.
  
• Helps you sleep.
• If you feel better, you'll be happier too.

Remember, outdoor Paintball, Laser Tag, Haunted Corn Maze, Haunted House, Pumpkin Music Festival, Fairy Tale Trail are all available during the summer (April - October) at Paintball Paradise Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada.