You've surely heard that spending time outside is good for both your physical and mental health, but is there a magic formula to know how much time you need to spend in the great outdoors to realize these benefits? It turns out there is, and it's called the 20-5-3 rule. 

The 20-5-3 rule is actually three goals in one: People should aim to spend 20 minutes outdoors three times a week; spend five hours a month in semiwild outdoor locations; and spend three days a year in nature. The rule was created by neuroscientist Rachel Hopman to encourage people to take manageable and meaningful steps to improve their well-being, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Let's break the rule down into the three individual goals. First, spend at least 20 minutes outside three days each week. This is the amount of time that will lower your body's level of cortisol, our primary stress hormone, according to research conducted by the University of Michigan published in Frontiers in Psychology. This time spent outdoors doesn't have to be active; the act of simply being outdoors, experiencing the sensory inputs that come with it, is all that is necessary.

Next, aim to spend five hours a month in semiwild outdoor spots. Semiwild is an important part of the equation because the more natural state of these environments can help create a sense of calm and restore cognitive resources that are depleted by our everyday routines and schedules, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. When it comes to finding these semiwild spaces, look no further than your Will County preserves. The Forest Preserve District conserves and manages more than 23,100 acres across the county. The vast majority of these spaces are semiwild, so no matter where you live in Will County, you won't have to travel far to find a semiwild space to explore or simply experience. 

Lastly, make time each year to spend three days fully immersed in nature. These extended periods spent in nature can activate brain waves called alpha waves, which can be meditative and encourage relaxation and creativity, according to Men's Health. In addition, these longer, immersive nature experiences can reduce stress levels for weeks afterward.

The three days part of the 20-5-3 rule is likely the most difficult part of the goal for most people, but the Will County forest preserves can be a place for you to achieve this. The Forest Preserve offers camping at five locations in Will County, offering an easy and affordable way to immerse yourself in nature over a long weekend. 

Do you need some extra motivation to reap the benefits of spending time in the great outdoors? Join our Be a Trailblazer experience. The digital scavenger hunt will have you adventuring to and through the Will County preserves at your own pace and on your own schedule. The winter Be a Trailblazer experience will run through Saturday, March 1, but the fun will last all year with seasonal experiences planned for spring, summer and fall. The best part? We are giving away more than $10,000 in prizes, including kayaks, Fitbits, Yeti coolers, picnic pack and dozens of gift cards from local restaurants and businesses.

All you have to do to get started with the Be a Trailblazer experience is download the Goosechase app to your smartphone and search Be a Trailblazer or enter the code PQNL75. Once you do, dozens of missions will be available for you to complete, including snapping nature photos and GPS check-ins in the preserves.