7 Benefits To Spending Quality Family Time Outdoors

One of my favorite family activities is discovering new hiking and walking trails around the Bay Area. Every Sunday morning we go out and hike or walk on one of these beautiful trails, each one is unique and offers a different view from the last. What I like most about our walks is that during that time we are fully present; taking in the beauty around us, enjoying the sounds of the birds and the squirrels, and just living in the moment. We are making memories together as a family; talking, laughing, and staying active. Nothing else matters.

During those moments, I’m not concerned about the laundry piled on the bed waiting to be folded or the stack of dirty dishes in the sink. It’s about being outdoors as a family and doing what we love. Besides getting to enjoy time as a family, there are many additional benefits to spending time outdoors:

1. Being outside can help to reduce stress and eliminate fatigue.
2. It helps your body to get Vitamin D just by being out in the sun.
3. It can help reduce anxiety, raise your energy and calm your mood
4. Promotes better sleep as being outdoors helps to set your sleep cycle
5. Makes you feel better about yourself. As little as 5 minutes of outdoor activity can help improve self-esteem, especially if you are near water or green space
6. The “greenness” of the outdoor space helps to improve focus
7. Spending time in nature can also boost your creative problem-solving abilities

After reading all of these benefits do yourself a favor, take your family out for a quick walk outside, you won’t regret it!

Sincerely,