I am Kerry and I am the Family Group Leader for Home-Start Wessex. I want to emphasise the power of exercise and the Wellness Walk idea all year round for adults and children.
We are less likely to venture out and reap the benefits of being outdoors in Autumn and Winter. We all require as much vitamin D as possible which plays an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression. It is suggested that people with depression who received vitamin D supplements noticed an improvement in their symptoms.
Seven benefits of outdoor play for children:
- Learning
- Social skills
- Creativity
- Health
- Independence
- Well-being
- Exploration
Outdoor activities and fresh air have actual measurable physical health benefits. Additionally, when outside, children are likely to engage in active play for at least an hour a day.
Time outside with other children has proven to soothe them, lowering the risk of hyperactivity and depression. It also enhances their abilities to engage with others in the future.
“From my own experience of being a new mum, 9 years ago, I felt a million miles from my own upbringing. Moving to a middle-class area from Greater London I struggled to navigate through the different groups, personalities, and settings. I once was confident and outgoing, but it seemed like I had to start over. I found wellness in a local group that was focused on outdoor experiences, for parents and children.
After a fairly traumatic emergency c section and previous traumatic life events, I lost all confidence in myself as a person but flourished as a mum. Being outside with my son in a sling or buggy and joining the outdoor group helped me kick my original barrier of not fitting in. I had a common interest and shared my experiences outside in nature with like- minded parents. I felt a freedom from being contained in four walls and my son seemed at his most settled outside. In hindsight, I can see that it was because I was at my most relaxed and had found a fantastic peer group.
The love of the outdoors has filtered throughout our relationship. The benefits of being outside from his early years have been apparent throughout his life. I still see the benefits now, despite a sometimes reluctant 9-year-old, who would rather be inside. But once outside this fades, and we’re back to our ‘Happy Place’! “
Written by Kerry our Family Groups Leader. Please visit our projects page for more information about our Wellness Walks.