Over this last month, Dr. Sara and I have spent time sharing with all of you the importance of exercising during the winter months. Exercise is an essential part of my routine and it should be for you as well. Exercise doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym, sweating on the treadmill and lifting weights. It can be as simple as walking around your neighborhood, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking in the back of the parking lot. Activity is just as essential for our children, especially as many of them are attending school in a virtual or hybrid platform.
In my last post I shared the concept of getting outside for 1000 hours. I received many comments and questions around this idea of being in nature for 1000 hours, asking, how do you get your kids outside? Is this truly attainable? Yes, it is attainable, you can intentionally get outside! You can also intentionally create time for your children to get outside.
In fact today, my littles came home from school and immediately asked can we go outside? Can we see if our friends can play? They ran inside, washed hands, grabbed dry snow pants and played outside with their friends until we called them in for dinner. It is important for them to not only get fresh air but it is imperative that they run off that after-school energy. Getting outside also prevents them from requesting technology, no time for television or devices if they aren’t within reach.
I am thankful that they enjoy the cold weather, especially sledding with friends. We haven’t had any major snowfalls yet this year but they have found creative ways to sled. I love watching them find ways to play outside during all seasons.
We also decided to sign the kids up for ski club this year, neither of them have skied, I am not a skier, thankfully my husband is! My husband and I knew that this would be a good way to not only get them out during this winter but for many winters to come. Before we know it they will be hitting the slopes with their friends!
All of this activity leads them to less time on technology and allows them to boost their immune system, sleep better and create healthy habits. This also teaches them how to spend their time wisely. Let us not forget that this also gives Mom a tiny break from the madness! You will never regret getting outside!
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