PSA: It’s time for a family getaway!
Everyday life and routines can feel mundane and, in some ways, predictable. Whether to avoid burnout or to recover from it, an intermission from life’s regular scheduled programming is necessary for the health of your body and mind. Perhaps it’s time for you to grab your family and enjoy time in the great Canadian outdoors! Whether it be journeying on fresh whitewater or enjoying on-land activities, there are a ton of benefits! Some of which include relaxation, rejuvenation, and making memories with your loved ones.
1. Health Benefits of the Outdoors for Remote Workers
Did you know that many of us spend 90% of our time indoors? Lack of planned outdoor activities can look like vitamin D deficiency or mental exhaustion. In the post-COVID era, many businesses have successfully shifted into fully remote operations and as a result, “45% say they regularly work more hours during the week than they did before”, and 70% of working professionals claim they now work on weekends. Studies also show that many are “spending time in more meetings and having to keep up with more communication channels.” Consequently, people are experiencing isolation and burnout on increasing levels. These negative side effects can be directly counteracted by being outside as studies have shown being in nature increases mood, productivity, and overall mental state. So, for your next outdoor activity, journey on the Ottawa River (canoe, raft or kayak), enjoy the wilderness surrounding it, watch the animal life in the area simply exist in their habitat, put both feet into the sand, and embrace the gentle cool breeze going through your hair. It’ll be worth it!
2. Benefits of the Outdoors for Kids
It’s not just adults spending less time indoors, kids are also experiencing this due to “structured academic activities, overuse of computers, and a decrease in inspiring and safe outdoor activities.” For kids, a lack of outdoor fun “limits their exposure to daylight and fresh air, which are vital to their wellbeing, thus triggering a string of problems that affect their mental and physical health.” To avoid the negative outcomes, enjoying outdoor activities naturally encourages physical activity thus promoting “intellectual growth” (AKA “embodied learning”). Kids interacting and engaging with the world around them builds a sense of environment and a sense of self, which assists in brain development. Kids love the outdoors and the experience, and it adds to their overall happiness and health.
3. Benefits of Enjoying the Outdoors as a Family
- Have Fun in the Sun: Activities such as rafting, kayaking, and canoeing on fresh whitewater are great activities for families to do together. Canada has an abundance of fresh water, meaning that no matter where you live, you’re likely to have a lake or river to play on – AND your vitamin D intake will be soaring (don’t forget sunscreen)!
- Enjoy nature: Sometimes we must take a break from the city. Nature is not only enjoyable but is also a great body and mind regulator. Wilderness resorts and river activities are the perfect way to escape on a rejuvenating vacation with the whole family.
- Be Adventurous: Trying an outdoor activity for the first time with your family is a great bonding tool! Not only will you build lifelong memories, but everyone must work together as a team to build each other’s skills. Everyone will learn something new about themselves and their family members.
In conclusion, the benefits of the outdoors are necessary. With proper implementation, the whole family will soon have something special to speak about over dinner. Head outside with your loved ones, hug them a little tighter, and build lifelong memories together in Canada’s wilderness.
If you’ve decided to head out on a special outdoor adventure, be sure to download and print our OWL Rafting Word Find Puzzle to keep everyone busy (no electronic devices required): https://owlrafting.com/family-fun-word-find-puzzle/
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