Are You and Your Family Making the Most of Fall?
By Sandy Schroeder
Scientists tell us the outdoors can be an easy way to reset our bodies and our minds. So why not use fall weekends to decompress from work and school schedules with some nature nurture?
If you already use the outdoors to increase the benefits of your workout, or offset the impact of deadlines, you know how this works. Getting away for an afternoon, or out for the whole weekend, could work a little magic for the whole family. Parent.com offers some suggestions.
Look for easy hikes for juniors – If your children are a little young for serious hiking, look for nature trails in your area that are created for future hikers. Do the homework to check them out in advance, and stay flexible as you explore the trails for an hour or two.
Do a family bike tour – Biking on a bike trail or in a park can be a great way for a family to bike together and enjoy an afternoon outside. Pack a picnic along and savor the day. Some cities are now offering bike-sharing, which lets you rent a bike at one station, and turn it in at another. Sounds like a good suggestion to bring up at the next city council meeting in your area if you don’t have these stations.
Do a nature photo session – You may have a budding photographer who sees the local park in a whole new way with close-up shots of rocks and foliage. Use smartphones or rent a camera and spend a little time recording nature. Later you can post pictures or use them as the base for a school project.
Collect colorful leaves – Gear up with some bags and spend some time exploring a nature area, picking up bright leaves along the way. Later, kids can make collages or spray paint them and turn them into wreaths.
Camp out – If your kids are really young, your first camping expedition might start in your own backyard. As they grow, you can move on to local camping areas, with an eye to more advanced tours to national parks in the future. Once kids catch the camping spirit, they often become lifetime campers.
Do a picnic or party – Before the real holidays arrive, you might stage a simple potluck picnic or party in the park. Celebrate a birthday or make it a family reunion. Keep it simple and back up the salads and desserts with a barbecue and drinks.
You’ll know your outdoor efforts were a succes, if everyone wants to know what's next.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in League City, Tex.
