My boy is happiest in two settings – when he is dancing, and when he is getting outside exploring nature and burning off energy.
We try to get outside every day, even if it’s just for a walk or cycle every day and we try to get outside and enjoy nature and explore as a family. Even when my kids were babies and toddlers I used to take them out for walks every day, simply to get us out of the house for a change of scene and some fresh air, no matter the weather. It was good for my mental health and wellbeing and theirs.
We have signed up top 1000 hours outside which is a global movement designed for any age child (or adult) and any environment. Join the journey and watch your life transform before your eyes. Nature holds tremendous power for each and every one of us at any age or stage.
We don’t need much motivation to get outside for some form of exercise but it’s nice to have something extra to work towards and adding up the hours and time we spend outside is a fun task and more time is a great goal.
It can be a bit trickier living in the UK and not always having the best of weather, and winter time is harder when it’s colder and darker earlier, but we have always made some effort to get out every day. We have downloaded our chart and whilst we do like to be spontaneous about some of our time outside we are also happy to plan things we want to do, depending on weather and what’s local or further afield.
It’s highly beneficial for adults and children to enjoy nature, explore, learn, relax and connect so whilst I am not one to hop on parenting bandwagons, this is one that I will happily sign up to.
I will be sharing our 1000 days outside adventures on our Instagram account, so feel free to give us a follow over there as we try to add as many hours as possible and find new ways to enjoy being outside. They have loads of free charts and also inspiring ideas on their site.
Why don’t you give it a try too?
My kids love being outdoors, living in South Africa our weather tends to be great all year round. They do miss all their activities like rugby and ballet, but we are spending a lot of time in the pool. #parentpower
Good luck with it! Like you and your family, I’ve always loved being outside. I exercise outside three times a day, so I’m trying 1000 hours outside too. It’s just me doing it as the kids have got their own minds and their own lives (although I’m pleased to say they spend a lot of time outside too). I’ve worked out that I need to do 2 hours 45 minutes outside every day to hit the target! Clearly I will be getting more in summer than I am now. Lockdown 3 really isn’t helping with being restricted to exercise only once a day. I’m hoping that particular restriction will be lifted in a few weeks.
Good luck with doing 1000 hours outside this year. We did it last year and it was such a great way of encouraging us to get outdoors a little more.
I definitely want to get out more but 1000 sounds like a lot especially now I’m working. Good luck and I can’t wait to find out hpw you get on! #parentpower