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Go Outside and Play!

There are many benefits to our mental health and well-being when we are active outside, particularly for children and teens.  Seeking out opportunities to play outdoors or have nature-based adventures can improve our mood, encourage creativity, problem-solving, and imagination, lower our stress, and help us to be more active.   

 

In today’s Wellness Wednesday, we explore ways to go outside and play! 

 

Try this: 

As a class, group, or family:  

  • Make a list of some of your favourite ways to play and be active outdoors.  
  • Some ideas include: climb a tree, play hopscotch, jump in puddles, do a nature scavenger hunt, explore a forest path, balance on a fallen tree log, make an obstacle course, try some low organizational games like Octopus, Snake Tag or Red Light/Green Light, throw a football, go for a walk or hike, ride bikes, kick the soccer ball, play baseball, dust off the skateboard, etc.  
  • Next, choose a time to go outside together for 30 minutes to play.  

 

Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:  

How did it feel to go outside and play? What changes did you notice?   

 

Connecting to our faith:  

When we go outside, we see the world that God made for us. We see Creation – the trees, meadows, flowers, rain, sunshine.   We learn about how our bodies were designed to move. In nature, we feel His calming and abundant presence.  

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)  

Let us pray: Dear Lord, thank you for all You have made and given to us. Help us to truly see and experience the beauty and diversity of your world each day. May we always find opportunities to marvel in wonder and awe at your creation.  Amen. 

 

Further learning:  

 

Employees of LDCSB check out WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell.  

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