1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,240 Welcome to our deep dive everyone all about families in nature. Oh, this is gonna be fun 2 00:00:05,320 --> 00:00:08,340 It is you guys send in so much cool stuff 3 00:00:08,960 --> 00:00:13,640 Articles about activities you can do with your family tips on nature journaling 4 00:00:13,920 --> 00:00:20,660 Even testimonials from other families about how they make it work. Yeah, there were some pretty inspiring stories in there for sure 5 00:00:20,920 --> 00:00:26,300 So what we're gonna do today is really dig into why nature is so good at bringing families 6 00:00:26,300 --> 00:00:32,940 Closer. Yeah, let's go beyond just making a list of activities. Yeah, figure out the why exactly sounds good to me 7 00:00:33,180 --> 00:00:37,420 So to get started I gotta say I was really blown away by the science 8 00:00:37,420 --> 00:00:44,180 Like I know being outside feels good, but learning about how it actually affects our brains and bodies. It's pretty amazing, right? 9 00:00:44,180 --> 00:00:47,540 It's wild. Yeah, like we always say nature reduces stress 10 00:00:48,300 --> 00:00:54,060 But it's not just a saying there's actual science behind it. So it's real like it's measurable 11 00:00:54,060 --> 00:00:58,020 It is being in nature actually lowers our cortisol levels cortisol 12 00:00:58,020 --> 00:01:03,120 That's the stress hormones the one that makes us all crazy. Exactly. It can really make family time tough 13 00:01:03,120 --> 00:01:09,160 So you're saying we're less likely to yell at our kids if we take them for a hike basically 14 00:01:09,160 --> 00:01:15,880 Yeah, plus nature boosts those feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. It's a happy chemicals 15 00:01:15,880 --> 00:01:21,840 You got it. They help us feel connected and happy so we're less stressed in a better mood when we're outdoors 16 00:01:21,840 --> 00:01:23,840 Nature is like magic 17 00:01:23,840 --> 00:01:25,840 Making us better people. Yeah 18 00:01:25,840 --> 00:01:27,840 Well, it certainly helps 19 00:01:27,840 --> 00:01:29,840 But there's more okay 20 00:01:29,840 --> 00:01:34,840 What else? Studies show nature also helps with something called theory of mind theory of mind 21 00:01:34,840 --> 00:01:38,840 Yeah, it's our ability to understand how other people are feeling and what they're thinking. Oh 22 00:01:38,840 --> 00:01:42,840 Empathy basically. Exactly. It's super important for any relationship 23 00:01:42,840 --> 00:01:47,840 Especially with family. So basically if we take a family hike, we might actually listen to each other for once 24 00:01:47,840 --> 00:01:53,840 Well, I wouldn't say it's a guaranteed solution, but it definitely helps. I like it. Maybe we should all live in a tree house 25 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:59,840 Maybe not a tree house, but the point is nature sets us up to be better with each other 26 00:01:59,840 --> 00:02:03,840 That's a good point and it's a perfect lead-in to the next part of our deep dive 27 00:02:03,840 --> 00:02:07,840 Which is all those awesome family nature activity ideas you guys send in 28 00:02:07,840 --> 00:02:12,840 Oh, yeah, and your sources didn't just list ideas. They've talked about how each activity helps us in different ways 29 00:02:12,840 --> 00:02:17,840 Oh, that's awesome. So let's get started. We've got a whole year of ideas to cover 30 00:02:17,840 --> 00:02:23,840 Beginning with spring. I can already picture all the flowers blooming. It's the best time of year a fresh start 31 00:02:23,840 --> 00:02:29,840 So the first thing that jumped out at me was planting a family garden. Oh, I've always wanted to try that 32 00:02:29,840 --> 00:02:35,840 It would be so cool taking care of those little seeds and watching them grow into food or even just flowers 33 00:02:35,840 --> 00:02:39,840 It's a great way to learn about nature like those cycles of life and stuff 34 00:02:39,840 --> 00:02:46,840 And you don't need a ton of space right? You could even do it on a balcony if you had to definitely and everyone can get involved 35 00:02:46,840 --> 00:02:52,840 Doesn't matter how old you are the little ones can help with the watering and stuff and the older folks can share all their gardening wisdom 36 00:02:52,840 --> 00:02:57,840 Totally. It's like bringing the whole family together and then watching those plants grow 37 00:02:57,840 --> 00:03:01,840 It's pretty amazing, right? You get to see the bees buzzing around and how everything works together 38 00:03:01,840 --> 00:03:07,840 It really is right your backyard and then you get to eat what you grow. Well, hopefully 39 00:03:07,840 --> 00:03:12,840 Yeah, but it's not just about the food right? It's about working together as a family 40 00:03:12,840 --> 00:03:17,840 It really is. It's about patience and teamwork and being proud of what you accomplished together 41 00:03:17,840 --> 00:03:22,840 Okay, gardening is officially on my spring to-do list. What else did we get? 42 00:03:22,840 --> 00:03:27,840 Well, spring is a great time to explore with all your senses. What do you mean? 43 00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:35,840 Like going on a nature scavenger hunt making a list of things to find, you know, different kinds of leaves, animal tracks, wild flies, 44 00:03:35,840 --> 00:03:42,840 Oh, that would be fun, especially for the kids. Yeah, it's like a big treasure hunt. It gets everyone excited about exploring 45 00:03:42,840 --> 00:03:46,840 We could even make it a competition. There you go. It gets everyone looking closely at nature 46 00:03:46,840 --> 00:03:52,840 You never know. You might even find a bird's nest or spotted deer. Those are the memories you never forget 47 00:03:52,840 --> 00:03:57,840 Speaking of awesome things in nature spring is also when the birds come back. Oh, yeah 48 00:03:57,840 --> 00:04:00,840 After a long winter, it's so nice to hear them singing again 49 00:04:00,840 --> 00:04:06,840 It really is and bird watching is something the whole family can enjoy. Right? You don't need any fancy equipment 50 00:04:06,840 --> 00:04:12,840 Just some patience and a love for nature. And there's so much to talk about like learning to identify the different birds 51 00:04:12,840 --> 00:04:18,840 Figuring out where they live. It's amazing how far they travel to. It really is. Migrating all over the place 52 00:04:18,840 --> 00:04:23,840 I'm starting to think spring might be my favorite time of year to get outside. It's definitely up there 53 00:04:23,840 --> 00:04:26,840 But the fun doesn't stop when spring ends. Oh, yeah 54 00:04:26,840 --> 00:04:31,840 Summer is just around the corner and it's full of family adventures. I'm already feeling the sunshine 55 00:04:31,840 --> 00:04:35,840 I know right and your sources had tons of ideas for summer fun 56 00:04:35,840 --> 00:04:41,840 You know one thing that really stood out in the articles you sent was this idea of adventure like summer is the perfect time 57 00:04:41,840 --> 00:04:47,840 To try something new as a family, you know, yeah make some memories. We'll be talking about for years exactly 58 00:04:47,840 --> 00:04:51,840 So what kind of adventures are we talking about? Well all those classic summer things 59 00:04:51,840 --> 00:04:55,840 Hiking, camping, even just exploring a new park 60 00:04:55,840 --> 00:04:59,840 Those are the experiences that push you a little bit outside your comfort zone 61 00:04:59,840 --> 00:05:03,840 And it doesn't have to be anything crazy, right? Like you mentioned you're thinking about 62 00:05:03,840 --> 00:05:08,840 Trying hiking with your family. I am yeah, it seems like a good place to start. Totally 63 00:05:08,840 --> 00:05:13,840 And those sources had some great tips about picking trails that are good for families 64 00:05:13,840 --> 00:05:18,840 Starting small and working your way up to longer hikes. I like that small steps 65 00:05:18,840 --> 00:05:23,840 Yeah, and the best part is it's not just about reaching the end of the trail 66 00:05:23,840 --> 00:05:27,840 It's about what you see and experience along the way. Oh for sure 67 00:05:27,840 --> 00:05:32,840 Taking time to notice things. The little things like what kind of plants and animals you see 68 00:05:32,840 --> 00:05:38,840 Maybe you find a cool rock or a feather right or just stopping to enjoy a beautiful view and you know 69 00:05:38,840 --> 00:05:43,840 What I love about hiking it forces you to unplug like there's no wifey in the woods 70 00:05:43,840 --> 00:05:48,840 Well, not usually. So you can't be checking your phone every five seconds 71 00:05:48,840 --> 00:05:52,840 It's like a digital detox you don't even have to try for. That's a good point 72 00:05:52,840 --> 00:05:57,840 We get so caught up in our digital lives these days. It's nice to just disconnect for a little bit 73 00:05:57,840 --> 00:06:01,840 It really is and reconnect with each other and when you're hiking together 74 00:06:01,840 --> 00:06:06,840 Especially if it's a little challenging you kind of have to rely on each other like helping each other over obstacles 75 00:06:06,840 --> 00:06:11,840 Peering each other on when it gets tough. Exactly and celebrating those little victories to each other 76 00:06:11,840 --> 00:06:16,840 It's a great way to build teamwork and resilience to I like that resilience 77 00:06:16,840 --> 00:06:19,840 Because life is full of challenges, right? For sure 78 00:06:19,840 --> 00:06:23,840 So if you can face a tough hike together as a family, you can face anything 79 00:06:23,840 --> 00:06:29,840 Okay, so hiking is definitely on our summer list. What about camping? I haven't been in ages but 80 00:06:29,840 --> 00:06:35,840 Reading those family testimonials makes me want to dust off the tent. It's such a classic summer experience 81 00:06:35,840 --> 00:06:37,840 There's a reason why people love it so much 82 00:06:37,840 --> 00:06:43,840 I remember going with my family when I was a kid telling stories around the campfire roasting marshmallows 83 00:06:43,840 --> 00:06:47,840 Yeah, those are the best falling asleep under the stars pure magic 84 00:06:47,840 --> 00:06:54,840 It sounds like it and those are the memories you hold on to right the sound of the fire crackling the smell of pine needles 85 00:06:54,840 --> 00:06:58,840 Those sensory experiences really stick with us. They do and you know 86 00:06:58,840 --> 00:07:02,840 It doesn't even have to be a big wilderness trip. You mentioned you have a small backyard 87 00:07:02,840 --> 00:07:06,840 Yeah, we do you could totally set up a tent there even though it's a little bit of a 88 00:07:06,840 --> 00:07:12,840 Tent there even for just one night. Oh, that's a good idea. We could even try building a little campfire 89 00:07:12,840 --> 00:07:17,840 Exactly. It's all about creating those special moments together no matter where you are 90 00:07:19,840 --> 00:07:26,840 Okay camping is back on the list for sure whether it's a fancy campground or our own backyard I'm in 91 00:07:26,840 --> 00:07:32,840 But what about when it's really hot out and all you want to do is cool off. Ah 92 00:07:32,840 --> 00:07:39,840 That's what summer is all about bring on the water adventures exactly and your sources had tons of ideas for that swimming 93 00:07:39,840 --> 00:07:46,840 Kayaking paddle boarding. I'm ready for all of it. You too. And each one is a little bit different like swimming is great exercise 94 00:07:46,840 --> 00:07:50,840 But kayaking and paddle boarding let you explore rivers and lakes 95 00:07:50,840 --> 00:07:53,840 Oh one of the families talked about how they made kayaking their family thing 96 00:07:53,840 --> 00:07:59,840 Oh, wow, they'd pack a picnic and paddle down the river until they found the perfect spot to eat. That's such a cute idea 97 00:07:59,840 --> 00:08:05,840 I love it. Me too. Okay, kayak picnic is officially added to the summer bucket list 98 00:08:05,840 --> 00:08:11,840 But let's not forget about those summer evenings when you're not quite ready to go inside yet. What about some stargazing? 99 00:08:11,840 --> 00:08:16,840 Oh, I haven't done that in forever. It's so magical though laying on a blanket and looking up at all those stars 100 00:08:16,840 --> 00:08:22,840 I used to try to find constellations when I was a kid. I did too and make wishes on shooting stars. Yes 101 00:08:22,840 --> 00:08:30,840 Did they ever come true? Uh-huh. Maybe a few but even if they didn't there's something so amazing about looking up at the night sky 102 00:08:30,840 --> 00:08:34,840 It makes you realize how big the universe is and how small we are 103 00:08:34,840 --> 00:08:40,840 Totally and it's a great way to start conversations about all sorts of things like science mythology 104 00:08:40,840 --> 00:08:46,840 It really gets you thinking. Okay, so we've got hiking camping water adventures stargazing 105 00:08:46,840 --> 00:08:51,840 This is shaping up to be one awesome summer, but I'm also noticing a theme here 106 00:08:51,840 --> 00:08:56,840 Oh, what's that? We've talked a lot about the activities and experiences you can have in nature 107 00:08:56,840 --> 00:09:02,840 But what about the deeper stuff? Like how does all this actually strengthen our relationships with our families? That's a great question 108 00:09:02,840 --> 00:09:05,840 And that's exactly what we're gonna explore next. Oh 109 00:09:06,840 --> 00:09:13,840 I like it. We're gonna dive into those emotional benefits of connecting with nature as a family. Okay, I'm ready. This is gonna be good 110 00:09:14,840 --> 00:09:20,840 Okay, so let's dive into those emotional benefits. I'm really curious to hear more about this me too 111 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:27,840 Mm-hmm, because it's one thing to have fun in nature, but it's another to really understand how it impacts our relationships 112 00:09:27,840 --> 00:09:34,840 Exactly, you know as I was reading through all those articles. I kept seeing this phrase intentional family time 113 00:09:34,840 --> 00:09:40,840 Oh, yeah, that's a good one. It's not just about being in nature. It's about being present with each other, too 114 00:09:40,840 --> 00:09:46,840 I like that being present and one of the best ways to do that according to those articles is through mindfulness mindfulness 115 00:09:46,840 --> 00:09:51,840 Yeah, we touched on that a little earlier. We did but how do we actually do that with our families? 116 00:09:51,840 --> 00:09:57,840 Like when we're out on a hike or something. Well think about it this way instead of just walking through the woods try to really experience 117 00:09:57,840 --> 00:10:02,840 The woods. Okay. I like that engage all your senses. What do you see here? 118 00:10:03,840 --> 00:10:05,840 Smell yeah feel ooh 119 00:10:06,840 --> 00:10:10,840 Like a sensory adventure exactly and when you focus on those details 120 00:10:10,840 --> 00:10:15,840 You're training your mind to be present in the moment and not thinking about all the other stuff 121 00:10:15,840 --> 00:10:20,840 We usually worry about exactly work school that giant to-do list. Just let it all go 122 00:10:20,840 --> 00:10:26,840 Yeah, and be there with your family. Oh one of the articles mentioned a fun exercise. It's called find five things 123 00:10:26,840 --> 00:10:32,840 I've heard of that one. So everyone has to find five things in nature that they've never noticed before doesn't matter how small 124 00:10:32,840 --> 00:10:39,840 Yeah, it's a cool way to get everyone looking closely and appreciating the little things and it can lead to some great conversations, too 125 00:10:39,840 --> 00:10:45,840 Totally. Okay, so mindful nature walks sensory adventures 126 00:10:45,840 --> 00:10:51,840 What else can we do to make family time more intentional? Well, another big theme in your sources was gratitude 127 00:10:51,840 --> 00:10:56,840 Ooh, I love gratitude. Me too. It sounds cheesy, but it really can make a difference 128 00:10:56,840 --> 00:11:02,840 But how do we actually do that in nature? Easy. Just take a minute to share something you're grateful for like what anything? 129 00:11:02,840 --> 00:11:10,840 The sunshine the birds singing the fact that you're together as a family. Ah, it doesn't have to be a big formal thing, right? 130 00:11:10,840 --> 00:11:16,840 Nope. It can be a quiet moment little whisper to your kid or even just a thought in your own head 131 00:11:16,840 --> 00:11:20,840 And we could even make it part of our family routines. Yeah, like starting a gratitude journal 132 00:11:20,840 --> 00:11:25,840 Everyone writes down one thing they're grateful for after being outside or a gratitude jar 133 00:11:25,840 --> 00:11:30,840 We used to do that when I was a fine and then at the end of the week, you can read all the little notes together 134 00:11:30,840 --> 00:11:37,840 I love that. Okay. I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside now and you know what? I think those hand in hand with gratitude 135 00:11:37,840 --> 00:11:44,840 Storytelling. Ooh. Yeah, tell me more. Remember all those awesome summer adventure stories we were talking about 136 00:11:44,840 --> 00:11:48,840 They're even better when you share them with a grateful heart. Absolutely. You're not just telling a story 137 00:11:48,840 --> 00:11:56,840 You're passing down memories and values to your kids creating a family history and you know stories don't have to be just words 138 00:11:56,840 --> 00:12:03,840 Oh, yeah. What else? Think about all those creative things families do in nature. Like what? Give me some examples 139 00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:11,840 Like building fairy houses or making nature mandalas out of rocks and flowers. I've seen those. So pretty 140 00:12:11,840 --> 00:12:17,840 Right or even just having a good old fashioned mud fight. I'll never say no to a mud fight. Me neither 141 00:12:17,840 --> 00:12:23,840 Those are the moments your kids will remember forever. Oh and one family in those testimonials talked about making little 142 00:12:23,840 --> 00:12:31,840 Museum exhibits in their backyard. Wait, really? Yeah, they'd gather cool rocks and leaves and feathers and arrange them all 143 00:12:31,840 --> 00:12:37,840 Fancy with little labels. So creative. I know, right? Nature gives you so much inspiration. It really does 144 00:12:37,840 --> 00:12:44,840 And the possibilities are endless. For sure. But as we wrap up our deep dive, I think it's important to remember that 145 00:12:44,840 --> 00:12:50,840 Connecting with nature as a family isn't about being perfect. It's not about checking all the boxes. Exactly 146 00:12:50,840 --> 00:12:56,840 It's about trying new things, being open to the experience and most importantly having fun together 147 00:12:56,840 --> 00:13:01,840 And don't forget nature is always there waiting for you no matter what time of year it is 148 00:13:01,840 --> 00:13:06,840 No matter what the weather's like. Even if you live in the city. Exactly. Just take a small step 149 00:13:06,840 --> 00:13:12,840 See where it leads you. I promise you won't regret it. Couldn't have said it better myself. So as we sign off 150 00:13:12,840 --> 00:13:18,840 Here's a little something to think about. What's one small step you can take this week to bring a little more nature 151 00:13:18,840 --> 00:13:24,840 Into your family's routine? Maybe it's a walk around the block after dinner. Yeah. Or reading a book about nature together 152 00:13:24,840 --> 00:13:30,840 Or even just stepping outside to look at the stars for a few minutes. Every little bit counts. It really does 153 00:13:30,840 --> 00:13:52,840 And who knows it might spark a lifelong love of nature for your whole family. I think that's a wrap. Until next time, happy adventuring everyone!