Contributor
The Psychological Benefits of Nature
Fitness activities such as dance, yoga, and aerobics will all help boost your family’s cardiovascular fitness. However, as much as possible, aim to incorporate the Great Outdoors in your chosen activities. Study after study has shown the powerful psychological effect that time outside can have. One Cornell University study, for instance, showed that spending just 10 minutes in a natural setting significantly lowers levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Other studies have shown that nature can enhance focus, soothe anxiety, and lift the mood. Consider time spent outdoors to be a major investment in your family’s psychological wellbeing. Researchers have also found that kids need to engage in adventures like tree climbing, and other activities that involve freedom and testing one’s own resilience.
Making it an Adventure
If you told your children that you were taking them dolphin watching, snorkeling, or deep-sea fishing, most would probably be excited about the chance to get into the water and come into close contact with sea life. A good idea if deep sea fishing appeals is to hire a fishing charter, so that experienced experts can help you keep an eye on the weather, give you safety tips, and take you places where you are likely to make a good catch. Of course, you can simply swim alongside fish and other marine creatures instead. If so, make sure to take key equipment such as snorkels, sunscreen, and (if you will be on a private boat) life jackets.
Focusing on the Destination
Children can rebel against parents if they feel like they are being wrenched away from their beloved screens. Therefore, although it is helpful for parents to explain the negative health that too much screen time can have, they should ideally frame family activities as a new, fun activity that will involve a new or interesting destination. The Philippines is full of beautiful green areas and hiking trails that are a relatively short drive from Manila. These include the Masungi Georeserve, Purro (Rizal), Batulao (Batangas), Manalmon (Bulacan), and Pinatubo. Get your kids excited about the road trip and visit to these natural spots, aiming to bring cameras (instead of phones) to capture the beauty of the sites you visit and share them on Instagram. Prepare a yummy picnic with their favorite foods or book a meal at a scenic spot with appealing views.
If you are concerned about how much time you and your children are spending indoors hooked to technology, start making plans that will get you moving. All fitness activities are beneficial, but outdoor workouts are particularly beneficial to your mental health as well. Focus on fun rather than duty, and on your time together as a gift rather than a chore. Children won’t miss their smartphone or tablet. They’ll be too busy and engaged in hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and discovering the beauty of the world around them.
About the Author
Kylee Ryers spent a decade working as a personal trainer, but has now returned to her first love of writing. She enjoys contributing to a range of online and print publications on topics relating to fitness and wellbeing. When she’s not writing, she tries to practice what she preaches, and loves spending time in the great outdoors with her husband and two daughters.
Feature Photo by Alex Green
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