by How many times do you hear, "She won't share," "He hit me," or the dreaded, "I'm bored," in the summer? Or even in a day?
My response is generally, "Go play outside!"
But it can be even better than that. It can be nature appreciation and true learning.
And even better, it can lead to a healthier brain and better attention span!
Studies have shown that taking part in nature-based activities helps people who are suffering from mental ill-health and can contribute to a reduction in levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. In fact, a daily walk in nature has showed decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with a key factor in depression.
One in four people are estimated to experience bouts of mental ill health and it's on the rise. Prescription medication of antidepressants are also at a record high level and the demand for more invasive treatments are also on the rise. Health and social care commissioners are examining and commissioning different options for cost effective services for mental health and one of these options is a daily walk of 90 minutes or more.
We need to learn from the past when kids got excited to spend their time climbing trees and building dens rather than spending hours inside.
Joe at Nature Rated understands this all too well and has put together this infographic on 15 Summer activities to help your kids appreciate nature.
In fact, your kids couold even just enjoy one of these Nature Walks! No need for your kids to spend all their time in front of a computer, tablet, phone or other screens. Actually, research has shown that spending too much time in front of a screen can have a detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of children.
And no need for you to hear "I'm bored," all summer!
It is hard to be bored when baking a blackberry pie to constructing a pond or insect hotel. Head on over to Nature Rated for step by step instructions to get your kids out and about enjoying nature.
Now you don't just have to tell them to go outside; you can get them exploring nature and even working together on some of these great nature appreciation projects.
Really, why not join them for some of these nature activities too! Your brain can reap the benefits of being in nature while you and your kids get some family bonding time.
An outdoor enthusiast, Joe is the lead editor at Nature Rated; a website which rates and reviews the best outdoor gear for people who quickly want to know what to get. He believes in no fluff, to the point reviews, which help you choose the right gear for your next adventure.
Whenever daily life gets him down he heads to the nearest lake or river with his kayak and camera spending time recharging his batteries.
.jpg)
.jpg)
