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November 1, 2015 By Wendy 17 Comments

The Power of Play for Overall Health

This post is sponsored by the Voice of Play.

It started out with an idea for a craft made with crunchy leaves and those little helicopters that fall from maple trees. I’d send the kids out with a scavenger hunt list, and when they got back, we’d make a fun kids’ craft out of all those treasures. (A craft that could serve double duty as a blog post, even.)


Only that didn’t happen.

The Power of Play for Overall Health and Well-being

Because I just needed a minute. We needed a minute. A break. No work, no plans, no “right way” to do it. Just a few minutes outside, playing in the leaves.

The Power of Play for Overall Health and Well-being

And since IPEMA’s Voice of Play asked us to write about the importance of playing outside even when the temps start to drop, I decided to just go with the play flow.

The Power of Play for Overall Health and Well-being

Judging by these faces, I think it was a good choice (and long overdue.) The fall months provide such great weather for playing outdoors, and who needs toys when there are such jump-worthy leaf piles and trees just begging to be climbed?

The Power of Play for Overall Health and Well-being

Why prioritize play?

According to a recent NCBI article about the benefits of play time, physical exercise is only one of many positive effects of play. Other perks include everything from decreased stress chemicals in the body to social bonding and self-discovery.  There’s really no denying that mental and emotional well-being are vital to overall health, and a little quality play time with the kids will elevate everyone’s happiness factor. So today, I leave you with nothing more than a challenge: to get outside with your kids, breathe a little fresh air, and let the power of play take over. 

(But don’t forget your camera, because these are the smiles you’re going to want to save forever!)

Does your family still play outdoors in the fall and winter months?

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Filed Under: Be Well, Family Fun Tagged With: health, play

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shasta says

    November 5, 2015 at 11:44 am

    I totally understand the importance of play. I like to get out and play with my kids as much as possible.
    Shasta recently posted…Top 10 Struggles I Face As A Homeschooling MamaMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    November 5, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    Play is so important to a child’s health. It promotes creativity, coordination, physical fitness, and teamwork.
    Jennifer recently posted…MomCo is Hosting a The Good Dinosaur GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

    November 5, 2015 at 12:16 pm

    My kids play outside as much as possible. Well, until the weather cools off and we can’t get out there anymore.

    Reply
  4. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    November 5, 2015 at 12:22 pm

    I’ve made sure my kids loved to play outside ever since they were old enough to walk. It’s so good for them.
    Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Jackie: Behind Closed Doors on REELZ Channel 11/7 at 9PM EST #JackieOnREELZMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Jeanette says

    November 5, 2015 at 2:35 pm

    Now that is has cooled down I can’t wait to go exploring with my kiddo! We love to take little hikes and see what we can find! Thanks for sharing this special moment in our life!
    Jeanette recently posted…Making Time for an Apple Pie Monkey Bread RecipeMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Jeanine says

    November 5, 2015 at 7:09 pm

    We try to get out as much as possible during the Fall. The winter can be way too cold, so we don’t get out as much but the Fall yup.. as much as we can. I think its important to keep outdoor play going!

    Reply
  7. Kathy says

    November 5, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    My daughters love to go outside and play. It was really nice a few days ago, so they were able to get some outdoor play in. I think it’s really important for them to play outside and get some good exercise.

    Reply
  8. Stacie says

    November 5, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    We don’t play outside as much as we should and that should be remedied. I remember as a child being outside all the time. Fall is a beautiful season to be outside in.

    Reply
  9. Liz Mays says

    November 5, 2015 at 9:40 pm

    This is an awesome message. There are still tons of fun things to do when in fall and winter. Some parks even have more events in winter than in summer.

    Reply
  10. Lia says

    November 5, 2015 at 10:11 pm

    We love to play outside in the fall and winter! Hikes, trips to the park, building snowmen and more – the fun never ends!
    Lia recently posted…Over 80 Holiday Movies Streaming on NetflixMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Shauna says

    November 5, 2015 at 10:13 pm

    Well, we are lucky enough to live in Texas where it does not get so cold, so we can play outdoors year round. 🙂 I love having everyone shut down all electronics so we can all just go play. It is exhilarating and helps us all unwind and reconnect

    Reply
  12. Ann Bacciaglia says

    November 5, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    My kids used to love to play outside when they were younger. In the winter they loved to build snow forts and play for hours. It is so important for kids to stay active.

    Reply
  13. Elizabeth Lampman says

    November 5, 2015 at 10:17 pm

    Fresh air and exercise is vital for kids. There are so many fun activities to do in the winter.

    Reply
  14. Janis @MommyBlogExpert says

    November 5, 2015 at 11:35 pm

    Fresh air and taking a break from whatever our task at hand is — that’s so important to both kids and us adults. How joyful your son looks playing outside in these fall pictures.
    Janis @MommyBlogExpert recently posted…Giveaway 50th Anniversary Peanuts Original A Charlie Brown Christmas Music & MoreMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Autumn @Mamachallenge says

    November 6, 2015 at 12:27 am

    We make sure our kids play a lot every day! It is beginning to get cold, so we do not play outside as much.
    Autumn @Mamachallenge recently posted…Fed Up with Spit Up: Dealing with a Baby with GERMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says

    November 6, 2015 at 3:34 am

    Playing is an important part of kids’ health and development! You can’t neglect it!

    Reply
  17. Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says

    November 6, 2015 at 10:51 am

    It is so important! Lovely pictures, it shows how much he loves to play!

    Reply

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