Ways To Make Outdoor Time A Family Habit
As a child I was always happiest outdoors. In the summer I had to be dragged in after a full day of biking, playing and running.
When I look back at the healthy dividends that came from that sort of childhood, I want to bottle it and give It to every child I see. Absolutely free time to be me, outside, with lots of exercise, and friends encompasses a lot of dividends.
Today, outdoor time is still my best time. When I go to the park to do Tai Chi among the trees, or walk on the beach, everything else falls in place. Problems, worries, concerns just seem to float off.
How the outdoors works for all of us.
Vitamin D is one of the many dividends that doctors and researchers cite as they endorse outdoor time for all of us. They say we need at least 20 minutes of outdoor sunlight time every day to keep our bodies healthy and our mood up as we absorb Vitamin D. I have found a great way to do this, even on a busy work day is to take breaks or lunch outside whenever possible.
How it works for kids.
Care.com summed up the outdoor benefits for children recently saying it improves distance vision and social skills, increases attention span, reduces stress, and, of course, provides Vitamin D. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many children are suffering from Vitamin D deficiencies, which helps prevent future bone weaknesses, diabetes and heart disease.
How about making more outdoor time for everybody!
The conclusion here, seems to be, why not get out there more with our families and let the outdoors work magic for all of us, as the good times grow?
If you think about it, what are your best memories of your family time?
For me most of the really good times with my kids happened outdoors, at barbecues, camping, on nature hikes, swimming, sailing, traveling to national parks and beaches, and cheering everybody on at the Saturday morning soccer games.
The funny things we said and did the closer we became, and all of the pictures we took remind me now of just how great it all was.
Think about your own outdoor time and that of your family and consider upping it. I think you will be pleased.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of vastateparksstaff