How to Make a Commitment to Get Your Family Outside: Embrace the Journey, Rain or Shine
In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, it's easy to let days, weeks, even months slip by without stepping outside to breathe in the fresh air. Yet, the benefits of spending time outdoors are undeniable, especially for families. Whether your goal is to bond, to explore, or to simply break away from the everyday rat race, making a commitment to get outside is a step towards a healthier, happier family life. And here's the best part: you can start at any point. The key is just to start.
Just Go – Take the First Step
The hardest part of any journey is often the first step. This holds true for getting your family outside. It doesn't matter if it’s a weekday evening or a lazy Sunday afternoon, the most important action you can take is to just go. It doesn’t have to be a grand adventure; it can be as simple as a walk around the neighborhood, a visit to the local park, or a picnic in the backyard. The goal is to make stepping outside a natural part of your routine.
Find Your Outdoor Interests
The outdoors offers something for everyone. The key to making outdoor activities enjoyable for your family is to find what excites each member. Are you more of an active family? Consider hiking, biking, or playing games in the park. Maybe your family enjoys the tranquility of nature; in that case, nature walks or camping might be perfect. By identifying and pursuing your family’s interests, outdoor activities become something everyone looks forward to.
Set Flexible Activities
While it's great to have a plan, it’s equally important to stay flexible. Life happens, and sometimes the weather or other circumstances might not cooperate. Set a variety of activities that can be easily adjusted. Flexibility helps maintain your commitment and ensures that outdoor time remains a priority without becoming a source of stress.
Live, Learn, Explore, Grow
Each outing is an opportunity to live fully, learn something new, explore the unknown, and grow as a family. Collect rocks and learn about the geology and history of the area, gaze at the stars and talk about constellations, or simply observe the environment and the wildlife within. The outdoors is a vast, open classroom waiting to be explored. These shared experiences foster a sense of wonder and curiosity, creating lasting memories and strong family bonds.
Starting Your Outdoor Journey Today
You don't need to wait for the perfect moment to begin; the point is to start. Here are a few tips to help you and your family embrace the outdoors:
Schedule It: Mark outdoor time on your calendar just like any other important appointment. This ensures you set aside dedicated time to be outside.
Make It Fun: Incorporate games, challenges, or scavenger hunts to keep everyone engaged and excited.
Be Prepared: Keep a go-bag with essentials like sunscreen, water, snacks, and first-aid supplies ready to go.
Get Everyone Involved: Let each family member take turns choosing and planning an outdoor activity. This creates a sense of ownership and enthusiasm.
Celebrate Successes: After each outing, take a moment to talk about what everyone enjoyed and learned. Celebrate your commitment to spending time together outdoors.
The journey to a more outdoors-oriented lifestyle starts with a simple decision to step outside. By finding what excites your family, setting flexible activities, and embracing the adventure together, you can create a meaningful commitment to the outdoors. So, take that first step today. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, warm, or chilly, there’s a world of experiences waiting just beyond your doorstep. Live, learn, explore, and grow – together as a family.