The Great Outdoors, Enjoying the Sunshine, Sounds, and Health Benefits

Now that we are getting closer to summer and hopefully an end to the spring showers, we will all be spending more time outdoors. Many of us know that it is important to be outside to help getting our daily dose of Vitamin D, but did you also know there are learning and other health benefits for both children and adults for being outdoors? Vitamin D is important for mood stabilization and energy levels.

According to the National Wildlife Federation, connecting with nature has been shown to enhance overall well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, open children up to learning, and enhances children’s social willingness.

Imagine yourself outdoors hearing the birds chirping, feeling the breeze blowing, and feeling the sunshine on your skin. You smell fresh cut grass and breathe in deeply to fill your lungs with fresh air. What has happened to your body and mind during that quick little exercise? Did your mood increase? Did you smile? Did your breathing slow down at all or release tension from your back/shoulders? If just imagining being outdoors improves your mindset, imagine what being outdoors will do for you or for your children? Nature is healing to the mind, body, and spirit. People who are disconnected from nature tend to have more physical and mental issues, including feeling of isolation. Children who play and learn in nature are happier, healthier, and perform better in school. Connecting regularly with nature is a great way to manage stress of everyday life in a healthy way.

Play is a great way for children to put into practice what they have been learning, express their creativity, and be physically active. Play as a whole is really important for children’s well-being and development, but playing outdoors exponentially increases the benefits. Nature often offers more opportunities for unstructured free play and children to experience their environment. Nature is important to children’s development in every major area—cognitively, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically. Being outdoors also help with relaxation and more opportunities to be physically active! https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/early-learning/the-benefits-of-nature-play-for-children

Need ideas of how to play with your children outside? Here’s a great list from HGTV

How can you incorporate more outdoor activity in your life and the life of your family? Be active, be happy, and be outdoors! The wellbeing of the adults in children’s lives directly impacts their wellbeing as well!

Come learn with me!

On June 4th at 7 PM CST/8 PM EST, I will be the sponsoring speaker at the Oh Yes I Can Women in Business Event. I will be discussing 5 Core Questions for Strategic Growth In Your Business. Feel free to register or share with anyone you feel would benefit from this topic! Register here