These days, there seem to be so many things to do. You may feel that work and other responsibilities often keep you from what’s truly important: spending time with the people you love. Your kids may also feel distracted, not just by their gadgets but also by the mounting pressures at school.
But these are the exact reasons why making time for your family is a must. In the midst of the other “important” things, you must strive to keep your unit as tight as possible.
Bonding with the family, whether through movie nights or afternoons spent playing board games at a cafe, is surely time well spent. And when you try to explore the great outdoors together, your family time can be that much more memorable. Plus, by combining quality time with nature and physical activity, you can enjoy even more benefits. Let’s explore them, shall we?
Physical Benefits
Engaging in outdoor adventures offers numerous benefits. First, it’s a great way to introduce physical activity, which is important for both parents and children. Regular exercise helps improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of diseases. It also strengthens bones and muscles.
More time outdoors also means less screen time and more rest for your eyes. You’re no longer crouched in front of your computer screen or glued to your phone. A few hours outside with your family and away from the screen can help reduce eye strain and headaches linked to increased screen time.
Sure, going on an outdoor adventure with the whole gang is awesome, but be careful not to go from 0 to 100 too quickly. Before booking your next big adventure, remember to assess the family’s physical abilities or limitations. Something as simple as a walk around the park or playing outdoor games in the backyard is already an excellent start. The family has some quality time under the sun while getting a few steps in.
As your kids start growing and getting stronger, you can consider taking things up a notch. You can try new outdoor activities together kayaking in the summer or enjoying the spring breeze during a nature hike. By gradually increasing the challenge level, you can keep things exciting and engaging for the whole family without overexerting your bodies.
Positive Impact on Mental Health
There are plenty of stressors around us. You and your kids need to find an outlet to relieve stress and free your mind. And doing it together is also a welcome bonus.
Luckily, in addition to improving your physical well-being, the great outdoors also have a significant positive impact on mental health. This is especially important in raising resilient children and becoming centered yourself.
Nature has a calming effect on the mind. In fact, studies have shown that kids who spend time outdoors are generally happier and less anxious than ones who always spend time indoors. Aside from mood improvements, playing outside can inspire your children to become more curious about the world around them. This helps stimulate the mind and encourages creative thinking.
For adults, Mother Nature also has a similar effect. When spending quality time outdoors with your children, you can expect to notice a shift in your mood. Increased time under the sun—after applying sunscreen—helps reduce depression in adults. It also helps improve sleep by helping reset your body clock. This means you can be well rested and recharged for the day ahead; no more “waking up on the wrong side of the bed.”
Stronger Family Bond
Perhaps one of the most valuable benefits of outdoor adventures in the family is the opportunity to strengthen bonds. With outdoor activities, your whole family can take a break from the distractions and stressors of modern life by putting the phones away, connecting with your partner or children, and enjoying what nature has to offer.
Plus, spending more time together allows you to share new experiences and create core memories as a family. When you venture into the great outdoors, you’re also forced to face and conquer challenges together, encouraging you to practice effective communication and teamwork.
This is also an excellent opportunity for you, the parent, to show your “fun” side to your kids. When you’re openly curious about the world around you and demonstrate your willingness to try new things even though you’re not particularly great at them, it encourages them to do the same.
Conclusion
To sum it up, exploring nature is one of life’s greatest adventures. And when you do it with your family, you can enjoy even more benefits, including raising well-rounded children and increased physical activity. It also helps create lasting memories with the people you love and build stronger bonds.
So the next time you think about what to do on your next family day, consider lacing up your sneakers, grabbing your backpacks, and heading outside!
