Walking.
It is something we do all the time. Walking is the most perfect, simple exercise that we can do almost any time of day. A brisk walk can refresh your physical heart and brain, while also refreshing your soul.
When a homeschool day, or any day, starts off on the wrong foot, you can reset your day with a family walk.
My kids and I have a simple route that we can do right from our door and take about a 1 mile walk through the neighborhood. This quick jump-start to the day can really make the difference as to how the rest of our homeschooling day goes. Moving, running, the fresh air — all these things are so good for our bodies before learning.
Get the Wiggles Out
I try to make it a habit to walk early most days. We have our circle time at 9-9:30 AM most mornings. Some days we walk before circle time. Mid-way we’ve been known to break in the middle if I can see that everyone is having a tough time sitting still or settling. So, we will go for a quick reset walk. When we get back it does seem that most of us are ready to sit, chill, and listen.
On cold days, when the kids are inside more, it is super refreshing to get out and move. Then when you get home you can make hot cocoa while reading together. Or on those hot, summery like days, getting out early before the heat when everything smells so good, is the perfect way to start out.
Creating this time to get outside and be active also teaches our kids to have healthy habits later in life. When they are regularly getting out to walk now, they will enjoy the simple activity when they are older. Adults get restless and we are the worst offenders of not taking the break we need. Teaching our kids to take time to reset now will benefit them later.
Nature & Fun
There are times when we will break after lunch and drive to the local pond for more of a nature hike. Spending time in God’s creation as often as possible can refresh and reset us all. This makes for fun too! Making the walk a nature hunt is something my kids enjoy. Give each a paper bag with instructions and they will get going. I have had them find 5 different shaped leaves, or 3 different colored flowers. You can have the search for a variety of different items too like – a pine cone, a piece of birch, a flower, an acorn, and a rock. SIMPLE, but fun.
Most days, however, just getting out to reset the day with a family walk around the block does the trick. Here we can listen for the sounds in the neighborhood – birds singing, airplane flying over, garbage truck, etc.
Unplug & Connect
Making the time each day to reset with a walk also allows us to unplug from screens and technology for a little bit. We don’t use a lot of technology but, the kids do have tablets and TV. I want them to realize the value of unplugging and enjoying time outside together. When I was little, playing indoors was not an option! My parents had me out as much as possible. This doesn’t happen as much these days. So, A simple walk gives everyone a chance to connect face-to-face as we walk and talk about all that we see. The kids just run and play even on the not-so-great-weather days.
Some evenings we have the added joy of Daddy coming on a family walk with us. My kids absolutely LOVE when we all get to go for the walk together. These are the way that small traditions and happy memories are created. Family connections during simple activities are the best!
Sometimes I get into that slump of not feeling like getting up and out, but I NEVER regret it when we do. This is when us momma’s can reset more than the kids. HA!
Find the time that best works for your family. It can vary by day even. But taking time to reset your day with a family walk will deliver HUGE benefits.
Tell me how you like to get walking!!
Best,
