We are moving towards very interesting times. In Bhutan, already the Gross National Happiness (GNH) is considered more important that the Gross National Product (GNP). Now I found out that according to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon the time has come that we no longer measure success only on the basis of GNP. The reason is that the GNP only takes into account progress, but not the social and environmental costs associated with this progress. Therefore, a new indicator is desirable: GNH. According to this indicator social, economic and environmental well-being are inextricably linked. In a country that scores well on all these aspects, people are happier than with only a high GDP.
So how can we increase happiness in our life, and in the life of our children? One way is to explore, share time together and have fun. And where better to do this than outside, in nature?
To inspire you, and of course, stimulate you to increase your whole families happiness, I’ve compiled a list of 50 activities that you can explore, fun guaranteed!
Enjoy!
Digging for a treasure on the beach- Baking mud pies
- Building a small dam
- Jump in a pile of (dry) autumn leaves
- Riding a sled
- Burrow someone in the sand until only the head sticks out.
- Make friends with an animal
- Climbing a tree
- Rolling down a hill
- Camping in the wild
- Make a pot with worms and sand and watch them dig their tubes
Build a cabin in the woods- Bounce a stone on the water
- Running in the rain
- Make your own perfume from rose leaves
- Flying a kite
- Fishing with a net
- Eat an apple direct from a tree
- Playing and being creative with chestnuts
- Snowball fight
- Climb and explore a fallen tree
Swing on a rope- Rolling in the mud
- Picking Blackberries
- Looking up a tree and see the leaves, birds, buggers….
- Visit an island
- Playing ‘flying’ in the wind
- Whistle on a straw
- Spotting figures and animals in the clouds
- Jumping in a big puddle after the rain
- Search for fossils and bones
- Watch the sun rise
- Climb a big hill
- Jump over (or in) a real ditch
Crawl behind a waterfall- Feed a bird from your hand
- Wildlife Tracking
- Discover life in a lake
- Imitate an owl call
- Discover the remarkable animals in a beach pool
- Rear a butterfly
- Hike on a nature trail – at night
- Plant it, let it grow, eat it
- Swimming in the wild
- Making a fire without matches
- Find your way with map and compass
- Rock Climbing
- Cooking on a campfire
- Find a geocache
- Canoe on a river
When I compiled this list I immediately started to plan my next fun outdoor activities!
-
- Which activity have you added to your ‘wish list’ for the coming week?
- Which activity have you already done? And when was the last time that you did it?
What would you like to do next with your kids? Choose 3 activities.
Let other people in your network benefit from this article by SHAREING it through Facebook, LinkedIn or Google+.
Do you like this article? The next article: “Become the perfect manager for yourself: 10 tips.” Online on January 18th.
Are you triggered by this article? Know then that I’m offering a (free) Inspiration session where you can get more general tips or tailor-made advice for your personal situation. Call 06-53667256 or send an email to info@ankewebersmit.com.
Don’t want to miss an article in the future? Sign up for my (monthly) newsletter with all articles and more interesting information! Go to: http://ankewebersmit.com.
Anke Weber Smit, P.h.D. is an passionate coach and approved healer with nearly 10 years of professional experience working with children, teens, adults, and companies. Anke’s mission is helping people with recondition the past and creating their future lifes. She has experience with treating (high) sensitivity issues, eating disorders, body image, relationships with others or with yourself, psychological abuse and anxiety. Anke is a honest, warm inspirational counselor, author and speaker who uses professional expertise, humor and personal recovery to help others to help themselves. For more information on her services, please follow Anke’s blog or visit her on www.cocreate.com (English) or www.ankewebersmit.com (Dutch)