Refresh Your Soul: Ten Simple Ideas
Photo by tskdesign
Picture, for a moment, the perfect summer day: sunny, 80 degrees, low humidity, a cool breeze. Where I live, these days are unexpected gifts (My ruthless, curly hair can attest to that.) While the modern convenience of air conditioning serves its purpose, nothing beats opening up the windows and inviting in the fresh air.
In the Northeast, September may very well be one of the best months to enjoy the fresh air without breaking a sweat from a walk to the mailbox which, for me, is about ten feet. Below are some ideas for making the most of the outdoors with your children without changing your daily schedule, routines, or activities.
1. Dine al Fresco: Much of our food originates from the soil or from animals that graze in “open” spaces. For me, it feels good to eat in the natural environment and connect to the earth, the source of good food. So, change things up a bit and serve breakfast outside. Call me a romantic, but fresh air stirs my blood and awakens my senses. What a great way to start the day!
2. Drive with the Windows Down: Whenever I roll down the car windows, my daughter instinctively waves her arms and legs and lets out this giggly, contagious laugh. “Weeee!” I exclaim from the front seat, for a little extra rollercoaster effect. As the wind whips in one window and out another, it ushers in an energy that invigorates the soul. In fact, I can’t not sing when I feel so alive. And sometimes that’s just what you need when you’re running the same old errands, day after day.
3. Snack with a Story: Many small children eat a mid-morning snack. This is a great opportunity for storytime. Grab your favorite books, a snack, and a blanket and recline in the shade or the sun (for a little vitamin D). Not only are you enjoying the fresh air, but you are teaching your child that reading is fun, relaxing, and worthy of a special time and space.
4. Hang Your Laundry Under the Sun: Many moms do at least one load of laundry a day. I will admit, I am not one of those moms. I do, however, have a clothesline. Bring your wet clothes outside and hang them on a clothesline, letting little ones help out with an otherwise tedious chore. Breathe in clean, fresh air and smell the grass as your clothes soak up these good smells.
5. Shop at an Outdoors Farmers’ Market: Support your local economy by buying fresh food from family farmers. This sure beats another trip to an overcrowded supermarket, where fruits have traveled from Brazil. I love the idea of nourishing my body with food from my own “backyard.” Indulge your senses in the fresh smells of ripe produce, grass-fed meats, local wines, cheeses, and more! Visit LocalHarvest to find a farmers’ market near you.
6. Play Outside: You have all winter to play indoors. So step outside and let your creative juices flow! Grab some sidewalk chalk and reconnect with your inner artist. Or if you have a swingset, swing high alongside your child and let your imagination soar: Remember swinging over alligator infested lagoons? As you feel the wind blow past, pretend that you’re flying free. Let go of your obligations and breathe in sheer fun.
7. Get Moving!: My daughter typically wakes up from her nap around 3:00, at which time I’m suffering from sleepiness (if I haven’t napped too). This is my cue to get up and get out. It’s hard to fit in exercise with kids. Grab the stroller, double stroller, or bikes (if the kids are older), and head outside for a nice brisk walk or jog. Pay attention to your breath. Notice colors and textures. Feel yourself awaken and your soul open up to possibility.
8. Turn Off the TV: Trade a televised sporting event for the real deal! Again, go local! On a Saturday afternoon, pile the kids in the minivan and support your local high school athletics program. It’s cheap, fun, and gets everyone outdoors for some fresh air. This is a great opportunity to expose small children to healthy competition, spirit, and team work. Plus, there’s usually plenty of space for them to run around!
11. Choose the Farthest Spot: When most people enter a parking lot, they naturally look for a spot closest to their destination. What if we parked farther away? Would it hurt to walk the extra 50 yards? Parking lots are often spaces of tension. Avoid the madness and enjoy the walk. Breathe in peace, breathe out frustration.
10. Fire Up the Grill: I love the smell of charcoal on a warm summer night. I associate it with family barbecues, lightning bugs, citronella candles, and watermelon. Why heat up the kitchen when the outside temperature is mild and only calls for a sweatshirt? My feeling is this: Take advantage of the grill for as long as you can, and hold onto those memories of summer.
