First Psychology blog

There are many blogs that outline the virtues of spending more time outside, indeed we have written some ourselves – take this one, for example: http://firstpsychology.blogspot.com/2017/03/exercising-for-health-and-wellbeing.html . Given the ever increasing pull of electrical devices, it’s even more important to do all we can to get our children outside whenever we can. It won’t be easy, but with a bit of effort it can be done – and the kids will really thank us for it! And with National guidelines suggesting 30 minutes exercise, five days a week, the sooner we start, the better. Do as I do – and as I say We're all guilty of staring at our phones a little bit longer than we should – is it any wonder that our children follow suit? The key to unplugging our kids and getting them outside is to provide a positive role model for them to replicate. Set yourself certain screen times during the day when you can check your own devices – and make sure you dedicate some time to exercise too,...

The benefits on our mental health and wellbeing from spending time in nature have been confirmed by numerous scientific studies. Researchers are still exploring whether green spaces or blue spaces (those of an aquatic nature) have the greatest benefits, but what is clear is that while more remote and biodiverse spaces have the greatest positive impact on our wellbeing, even urban parks and trees can have a huge positive impact on our wellbeing.  So how can we get more time outside? Here are a few ideas to get you started.  Walk with a purpose Make a pledge to take a short walk every day and replace a car journey with a walk whenever possible. While on your walk make it your mission to fill a bag with as much recyclable rubbish you can find. You’ll be surprised how quickly the bag will fill up and you can return home knowing that not only have you made yourself a little fitter, you have also done your bit for the environment too. Try to find treasure It can be too easy ...