September 17th

By Mutt Mulligan

TurfMutt’s tips for getting a dose of Vitamin N(ature) this fall

 Getting your kids away from screens and outdoors (i.e. making them “outsiders”) might have been easier during the lazy, hazy days of summer. But the benefits of getting outside and enjoying nature are well-documented and well worth the time and effort to incorporate into your daily routine.

Exploring and appreciating nature – in our own backyards, community parks, and schoolyards – reduces stress, improves memory, boosts heart health, and offers a host of other benefits for our minds and bodies. Read more about the many benefits of spending time in green space here.

Here are TurfMutt’s easy tips for enjoying green space with your kids in under 10 minutes this fall.

• Take a walk. Bring the family dog if you have one!
• Play a game of tag or hide-and-seek in the family yard.
• Take your child’s study session outside. Fresh air can bring fresh ideas to homework assignments.
• Eat dinner (or an afternoon snack) in the backyard or at your neighborhood park.
• Take your “how was your day” discussion out of doors. Research has shown difficult talks are more productive when conducted outside.

To learn more about the benefits of being an “outsider” go here.