Science Wants You to Stop and Smell the Roses
The Benefits of Spending Time Outside
In a 2008 survey conducted by the National Trust in Britain, children were more likely to correctly identify a Dalek from “Doctor Who” than a barn owl. Likewise, a 2010 Kaiser Family Foundation study of 8–18-year-olds in the U.S. found that the average youth spends more than 53 hours a week engaged with entertainment media. These statistics, coupled with growing concerns that children are spending less time outdoors, are leading to terms like “nature deficit disorder” and global initiatives to get kids outside. Why is contact with the outdoors so important? Researchers are answering this question by studying the benefits of time spent in nature. One benefit is that outdoor time helps kids understand boundaries and learn how to assess risk. As naturalist, author, and broadcaster Stephen Moss puts it, “Falling out of a tree is a very good lesson in risk- reward.” Not to mention, time in nature may help improve focus for hyperactive kids. In one national study of youths by the University
of Illinois, participants’ attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms were reduced after spending time in a green setting versus a more urban one. This may be due to the fact that natural environments call upon our “soft fascination,” a less exhausting type of focus than what is required by urban environments. Emotional benefits were discovered too, including reduced aggression, increased happiness, and improved self-esteem. Beyond just getting outside, the type of contact we have with nature also matters. Visits to nature centers and watching “Planet Earth” are two ways to experience the outdoors. But research points specifically to the importance of free play in the natural world: unstructured outdoor time when children can explore and engage with their natural surroundings with no curriculum, lesson, or activity to complete. Ever notice how kids are fascinated by the simplest things? A child visits a rose garden, but before they even get to the flowers, they
become captivated by a leaf on the ground or an ant crawling on their shoe. Children are born naturalists. These are the moments we need to recapture. Take a page out of that kid’s book, and as the saying goes, stop and smell the roses — or leaves or ants — with no checklist and no plan, just time spent playing outside.
No Partner, No Problems
Three Platonic Ways to Celebrate Love on Valentine’s Day If you’ve recently been through a divorce or are in the process of
separating, Valentine’s Day can be one of the toughest holidays of the year. However, instead of doing your best to avoid all signs of love this Feb. 14, we suggest you try the opposite: Celebrate it! You don’t need to have a partner to celebrate love. Not all love is romantic, and in fact, some of the strongest bonds of love are platonic ones. To cheer yourself up this Valentine’s Day, try celebrating love in one of these three ways. Spend the Day With Your Family Odds are, even if your marriage has dissolved, you still have family members you adore and who would be happy to spend the day with you. If you have children, plan a slate of activities with them, or grab lunch with one of your parents or siblings. Even your pets count as family! You’ll certainly feel the love if you take a few hours to hang with your pooch at the dog park, or let your cat supervise you as you build a cat tree. Treat Another Single Friend If you have a friend who isn’t paired up, this is the perfect day for the two of you to deepen your friendship! Pick a few activities you both enjoy, and design a day around them. If you’re comfortable attending a Valentine’s- themed singles event, that can be a good option, too. Just keep in mind that whatever you choose to do, you’re in it together.
Follow Your Passion If you don’t feel like spending the day with some one you love, try spending it with some thing you love instead. Treat yourself to a day off to attend that woodworking class you’ve had your eye on, read your favorite book, bake something delicious, or work on your car. Taking the time out of your busy schedule to enjoy something you love is sure to turn your day around. We hope these tips will help you enjoy your Feb. 14, but if there’s something more serious than a blue mood bothering you, our team of experienced family law attorneys can help with that, too. We’re equipped to handle any curveballs your divorce, separation, or custody battle has thrown your way. Call us today at 864-598-9172 for expert advice.
2 www.SCFamilyLaw.com
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