As we’re in the midst of an extremely cold winter, we tend to enter hibernation mode, cosy evenings wrapped in a blanket with the fire on, watching movies as a family on a Sunday afternoon while enjoying a delicious roast dinner, those outdoor after-school clubs getting cancelled. We forget about the benefits of being outdoors, not just physically but mentally.
It’s scientifically proven that being outdoors helps with wellness within adults, but also proven to help children. It’s paramount for children to maintain their health and well-being from a young age and to find activities to participate in wildlife away from the screens and the four walls. Being outside has been known to reduce stress and anxiety, improve learning and development, lower the risk of depression, restore, and strengthen mental capacities, increasing focus and attention.
Below are five activities your children can enjoy outdoors to improve wellbeing:
1. Walking in the countryside
In a recent study, the NHS found that as little as five minutes spent outdoors exercising in nature can quickly enhance self-esteemed mental health and well-being in young people. For the next coming winter months, dig out those welly boots, thick gloves, cosy hats, and raincoats to explore new outdoor parks or footpaths that are family friendly.
To spark imagination, try creating a playful story with the little ones. Walking over a bridge doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bridge; you’re walking across a secret passage into the mysterious deep dark forests to fight off the trolls and save Terabithia once and for all.
2. Cycling
For many years, cycling has been known for being a favourite activity for boosting well-being among adults and children. Whether it’s at a local park or a pinetum forest track, riding a bike is a great way to clear the mind and get the heart pumping while taking in the scenic views.
3. Outdoor art
No matter what your budget, there is always a way to create art within the outdoors and invigorate your creativity. From chalk painting on pavements to setting up an easel outdoors and painting your favourite scenery, there are a multitude of ways that this can help with yuor wellbeing, Another option is to also collect natural resources from the outdoors and bring them inside to use as part of your crafting. With our example here, one of our creative customers has collected and dried leaves then created a beautiful wreath with them.
4. Den building
From early ages it is vital to ignite curiosity within childrens' minds. Whether you have access to a small outdoor space or countryside woods, there are always chances to get your hands dirty and build dens out of a mixture of both natural materials as well as specific den building resources. You can be inspired by anything from large castles in fairytales to small caves, then work together as a team and get building!
5. Bird watching
It’s time to dig out those binoculars and look in the sky for agile birds. Birdwatching has numerous benefits for someone’s well-being. As mentioned earlier being outside can relieve stress and ultimately make you feel more relaxed and content, however, birdwatching has also been known to boost your memory, reducing the risk of dementia.
In a recent study, the results found that individuals who exercised regularly reported 43% fewer poor mental health days than those who don’t exercise. Doing weekly fitness activities can get children into a routine and improve their mental health, helping them deal with anxiety and stress.
Whichever activity you decide on, don't forget to tag us @kcssocial in your posts!