When you were a kid, what did you do for fun?
Climb trees, go camping, swim, make forts, play hide and seek, ride bikes all day? No matter what it was, you were most likely enjoying the fun, fresh air and companionship. But did you know you were keeping your body fit and lowering stress levels?
Stress can be debilitating, often robbing you of the things you enjoy – friends, family, hobbies, travel, and exercise. As adults, we let the responsibilities of life hinder our good health: reaching for food-on-the-go, practicing unhealthy lifestyle habits, or casting aside the activities we used to love for more ‘pressing’ matters.
It’s time to act like a kid again. It’s time to have the kind of fun kids enjoy while promoting good health as well as emotional and physical well-being.
Claim your strength and energy, boost your self-esteem, and shake off the stress.
Get Moving with These Fun Kids Activities
Make time for fun activities that put a little hop in your step. In fact, include your family and friends. Chances are they could use a little ‘good health’ pick-me-up, too!
• Basketball – Remember the days when you picked up a basketball and played HORSE. You can do it again, either by yourself or with a team.
• Cycling – See the world from your bicycle. Whether you’re on a single bike or one made for the whole family, you’ll return to your childhood with this fun activity. If you don’t own one, rent one.
• Dancing – Turn on the music, grab a partner, and let your body go. Whether it’s ballet, salsa, country line dancing, or hip hop, you’ll experience a heart-thumping’ good time. This exercise is great for kids of all ages.
• Hiking – Take advantage of the sights and sounds of nature. See the flora and fauna around your area. Each season will feature something new to enjoy during your hikes.
• Jogging/Running – Take a lap around the neighborhood or a long run on a beach. The more beautiful the scenery, the more motivated you’ll be. Some areas have stadiums or tracks that are open to the public.
• Kite flying – You’ll forget all about exercise while your kite is loop-de-looping in the sky on a windy day.
• Rope skipping – All you need is a flat surface and a rope to get your heart pumping. You may find that you’re ready to enter a rope skipping completion. Check your community event calendar for jumping rope events.
• Soccer – As one of the most loved international sports, soccer is guaranteed fun for kids and adults.
• Swimming – This is particularly fun on those ‘dog days’ of summer, but indoor swimming pools are available year-round. If you like healthy competition, sign up for a swim meet. There are a number of swimming events that can demonstrate your skills: freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, and swimming with a ring buoy.
How to Fit Fun Activities in Your Lifestyle
- Schedule and include others for motivation and accountability.
- Be realistic, honest, and practical when you decide on fun activities. Don’t forget to consider your budget for club memberships and additional equipment.
- Do those things you want to do, not what you “should” do.
- Play with others. Enjoy the companionship and laughter as you get up and move for your health.
