You may think that it’s easier to stay indoors at this time of year rather than spending your weekends on a winter walk with the family. December festivities are behind us, work and school have resumed and the urge to carry on hibernating (and eating!) may be strong. However, we’d like to share some of the amazing benefits there are to getting outside as a family during these cold months.
Read on to discover why we believe there are lots of great reasons to wrap up warm and go on a winter walk with your family.
1. It’s great exercise
December holidays are often a time when many of us may be out of routine. Time normally spent outside at school or perhaps on the weekend goes astray as we visit family, host friends or spend time indoors together.
Committing to a winter family walk once or twice a week is a fantastic (and free) exercise option that the whole family can enjoy. It will get your heart pumping, boost circulation and improve fitness. There’s no need to go trekking through the Peak District (although that would be a walk to remember!). By walking to the park or around your local area, you’ll still feel the benefit.
2. It will boost your mood
Going on a winter family walk is a wonderful way to improve your overall wellbeing. By taking a walk outside you’re getting exposure to essential vitamin D. Movement and exercise also release mood-boosting hormones called endorphins. Breathing in the fresh air and getting lots of natural daylight can help improve sleep, too.
This all highlights how important spending time outside is for our mental health. We know that by age two, girls are already spending less time outdoors compared to boys, which can have negative consequences for their health later on in life. That’s why we recommend the whole family spending as much time outside as possible, even in winter, and a walk is a perfect way to do that.
3. It can help reduce screen time
The cold winter months can, perhaps unsurprisingly, result in an increase in screen time. It may seem far easier to pop a film on then to get everyone into their outdoor gear – which can feel like a task in itself – and go for a wander.
However, we think it’s worth the effort. Going for a winter family walk will break up the day, refresh the mind and body, and get the whole family away from screens. Doing activities where they’re not needed or visible are a great way to cut down that time. If you can stretch it out by packing a picnic and making a day of it, all the better.
4. It could ignite a passion
A winter family walk is a great learning opportunity. You could invest in a plant identification app and learn more about the trees and flowers you encounter on your route.
If you’re in a more urban area, why not use your walk as an opportunity to learn more about the history of where you live?
Over time your winter family walk may turn into a game of football, bike ride or something else. By encouraging outdoor time spent together, you may spark a passion for gardening, history or even a sport.
5. It’s an opportunity to bond
Wrapping up warm and going for a walk in the cold is a wonderful way to get exercise and break up the day, but it’s also a great way to bond with each other.
Play games, talk and listen. You may find it easier to open up to each other while walking.
Talking whilst walking can feel less direct and less pressured than communicating indoors. You could also see if you can catch a sunset together while the days are short.
And when you’re back home, consider spending some time making a nice warm drink to share together and having a treat. Being out in the cold, and subsequently back in the warmth, presents a lovely bonding opportunity.
