Get out as a family to boost physical, emotional health
The breeze is cooler and the sun sets sooner. It’s fall in Yuma. Lots of people ask Yumans: “How do you handle the summers?”
We all know we love it here because of the fall and winters. What better time of year to unplug and get your family out for some fresh air in the great outdoors. For most family members, so much of our days are spent indoors, either at work or school, with a lot of that time spent in front of a computer.
Science tells us there are many health benefits to spending time outdoors, especially as a family. According to Angel Chang from Little Things, spending time outdoors can help improve your lifestyle and have phenomenal effects on your health. A few health benefits include:
• Strengthens mental health
• Increases memory and attention span • Increases Vitamin D • Improves self-esteem Chang states that studies show that walking outside helps lower depression and stress levels. Being exposed to the outdoors enhances our senses, thus exercising our minds and allowing our senses react to our environment. If you are cooped up inside and feeling low, take a few moments to step outside and get some fresh air.
Studies have also shown that children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) display fewer symptoms of ADHD when exposed to the outdoors. Also, spending time outdoors improves our ability to concentrate and be creative. Allowing children time to play outdoors will decrease electronic screen time and increase imagination. Doctors have recommended that children should be limited to two hours of screen time per day. This includes time in front of televisions, computers, tablets, cellphones and other electrical devices emitting blue light.
Many Americans are diagnosed with low Vitamin D levels. A lot of this has to do with the fact that so many stay indoors much more than ever before. There are only two natural ways to get your Vitamin D – sunlight or by consuming foods high in Vitamin D. Technology has taken over a large amount of our free time and keeps many in front of electronic devices compared to years ago when Americans were more active. Spending as little as ten minutes outside in the sun can add health benefits for some people.
Jules Petty from the University of Essex recommends that “we should be encouraging people in busy and stressed environments to get outside regularly, even for short bits of time.” Being outside in green spaces can improve our overall moods and increase positivity. When you feel like you or your family are too busy or stressed, plan some downtime to get outside and relax by playing an active game or just walking in nature.
Next time you are planning recreational or leisure time for your family, remember to think outside. Scheduling time daily doing something as a family outside can provide many health benefits, as well improve relationships. We live in an amazing place and have wonderful green spaces and parks to enjoy the outdoors with beautiful weather throughout the winter. We are lucky we’re in Yuma!