Last Updated on December 13, 2020 by Natalie
It’s okay to go outside. It’s okay to continue to be wild. The recent news invites us to panic and to change our daily habits. Even though our normal routines were disrupted, it’s okay to go outside. It’s okay to go for walks, play in backyards, or spend some time in the front yard.
Yes, even with the chaos of right now. Especially right now.
I believe being outside cures all kinds of ills, such as cabin fever, homesickness, and helps quiet the brain when anxious thoughts try to disrupt our peace. Kids have the benefit of fresh air and sunshine (even if there’s cloud cover) while they explore the soil or trees around them. Even if the outdoor space is small, even if you only stay in your own yard, being outside brings stress relief.
When things are stressful, spend time outside
Kids especially need help relieving stress. Many kids don’t exhibit signs of stress, but they still feel it. If the kids are acting out, sad, withdrawn, angry, and even when they are happy, it’s helpful to breath fresh air. It’s helpful to run and play with abandon. Kids need to move their bodies with freedom.
Here are some ideas for fun things to do outside with kids.
Disclaimer
It’s Easy to Stay Indoors
During a stressful time like this, it’s easy to watch our streaming videos and play video games on our tablets all day. With more and more activities and events shutting down all over the USA and the world, it’s easy to trap ourselves inside. It’s even easier to offer unlimited screen time to our kids while we follow the new buzzword “social distancing.”
If the weather isn’t too extreme in your area, get outside. Go outdoors for as many hours as you can. Invent games. Cook over a campfire. Eat hotdogs and s’mores. Or vegetarian kebabs. Or anything that can be cooked outside. Turn this crisis into something you and your kids will look back on with fondness.
Even if you’re stressed. Lead the way to the outdoors, whether big or small. Head to your local park, if needed. Go to the woods. Get outside and show your kids that being outside is not only okay, but necessary.
The kids know we are all worried and panicking. They will be feeling it, too.
The benefits are that you’ll soak up vitamin D from the sun, which may boost immune systems. The sun also kills off many viruses and bacteria, so being outside is a good idea. I am also trying to teach my kids that going outside helps reduce stress and anxious thoughts, if the stimuli of their games, shows, or even the news is becoming too much.
Here are some awesome outdoor summer toys for kids!
The world feels out of control
The world feels out of control right now and it’s so very easy to get caught up in the panic. Whether going outside means that you’ll be walking through the snow or you’ll be going to the swimming pool, do it. If your outdoor space is large or tiny, go out. Slow down, breathe, and take the kids outside. It will do your family so much good, even if it is for a few minutes or a few hours. It’s okay to go outdoors.
Do you think it’s okay to get outside right now? The best feedback comes form my readers. Please leave a comment. Thank you!
