It is very important to spend time outdoors as a family involved in various activities. At a time when digital devices are taking over the lives of individuals in every age group, having the ability to put our devices down and go outside is becoming more and more necessary. Spending time outside the home helps individuals develop mentally, socially and physically, which will greatly improve the overall health of family members.
Digital Detox
The first major benefit of spending time outdoors will be seen in the amount of interaction families experience. Nowadays, it seems that many parents are fighting over their smartphones or desks just to chat with their children. Set aside time to get out of the house, even if it’s just for an hour. Requires all family members to leave their devices in the room will make sure every member of the family has the undivided attention of one another.
The absence of devices in front of us allows us to recognize things in nature. Kids will pay attention to insects and other wildlife around them. They will see the clouds, the wind, and the changes in the weather as they unfold before them. These seemingly minor things are often overlooked by each of us as we keep our faces glued to our devices.
Physical health
Spending time outdoors greatly increases the physical fitness level of every family member. You don’t need to jog to exercise. A simple game of catch, tag or hide and seek will keep everyone awake and moving. Obesity is a problem that plagues our country, so fighting it through physical activity is very important.
By getting everyone involved in a variety of activities, families will be better able to encourage each other to get up and move. Taking a walk in nature, walking the dog, or even hiking in the mountains can be relaxing activities that keep people active every day. Basking in the bright sun, even just 30 minutes a day, will help keep your heart healthy, build stronger immunity, and help you burn off unused energy.
Cognitive and Emotional Growth
Engaging in outdoor activities as a family encourages unstructured play. Playing in wide open yards, running, jumping and jumping is a great way to enhance cognitive development. Improving problem-solving skills by building focus and self-discipline goes a long way in helping people think more clearly when the need arises.
Spending time outdoors in your free time is especially good for working parents, as they will have the ability to focus more on their work. Having the ability to hear, see, smell and touch the outside environment builds self-confidence and enhances a child’s imagination. This type of activity alone helps build confidence in both children and adults, giving them a better ability to control their actions.
Stress relief
Numerous studies have proven that outdoor activities are a magical tool for relieving stress. Attention Recovery Theory demonstrates just that less stressed people just by looking at pictures of the natural environment. It’s even more rewarding to go outside and experience nature on your own.
Seeing, hearing, and feeling the characteristics of nature directly help clear the mind by forcing us to ignore the things that stress our minds. Tons of studies have found that being outdoors increases our feelings of pleasure. Simply being outside for five minutes will result in a measurable boost in mood and self-esteem.
Stronger Family Bonds
Engaging in outdoor family activities improves communication between family members. Each family member learns how to listen and cooperate, reinforcing mutual respect for one another. This type of involvement goes a long way in increasing the emotional bond between every member of the family.
Plain Old Fun
In addition to all the physical and emotional benefits that these outdoor family activities bring to our lives, it cannot be overlooked that spending time together is great fun. There are so many fun activities that can be done as a family to increase their overall happiness.
Encouraging the development of positive emotions is great for the body, helping to reduce physical aches and pains and ward off negative emotions caused by stress or bad experiences. Overall, these types of activities prolong our lives and improve the quality of life for all of us.
Knowing all the positive benefits outdoor activities with your family can bring to your life, it’s time for you to wake up and get outside and start living and experiencing this day – together.
