Importance of Walking

As we’ve discussed in previous blog posts, outdoor play is extremely important for children. However, playing outside can be difficult right now, especially since most play structures are closed in the wake of COVID-19. Research shows that spending time outside in any capacity has physical and cognitive benefits for children. Here are a few of the reasons to take your kids on regular outdoor walks:

1.     They are interesting and promote observational skills: Children have the opportunity to notice, discover, and explore new things along the way. They are living in the moment, engaged with their surroundings.

2.     They promote emotional health: Various studies have shown that walks improve concentration, help children feel calmer and happier, and encourage mindfulness.

3.     They promote independence: Children can choose to stop and look at something along the way, travel at their own pace, and can begin to make decisions about road safety.

4.     They provide an opportunity for physical movement: Walks develop healthy bones and muscles, combat obesity, and help to develop a habitually active lifestyle.

5.     They build relationships with family members: Children spend quality time with other family members along the way. This is an excellent time to engage in conversation and create fun memories with your kids.

Building Brains Together has developed a series of fun games and activities that are designed to be played while on a walk. The games are posted around Henderson Lake on the south side of Lethbridge and at Nicholas Sheran lake on the west side (and keep a lookout for additional exciting locations around the city!). Playing games is linked to a host of brain-building outcomes and can enhance the physical and cognitive benefits of outdoor walks.

Sources:

http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.565.862&rep=rep1&type=pdf

https://novakdjokovicfoundation.org/the-benefits-of-walking-for-children/