5 Ways to Build Resilience Through Outdoor Playtime

Life is a series of constant ups and downs. There are days when the world seems to be crashing down, but eventually you see the pieces fall into place. You can’t control all your stressors, but you can control your reaction to the stress. This inner strength that keeps you patient and positive in difficult times is called resilience. Some people are born with it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enhance your own resilience with time and effort.

Just like your muscles, your mind can also be trained. The first step is to identify the bad habits you may have acquired over time. Lack of resilience may arise from a pampered childhood or an emotionally unavailable family. Whatever the reason, you can break the cycle of negativity and overcome your vulnerabilities. Prepare yourself to face life’s challenges head on by making yourself physically and mentally resilient.

Exercises for resilience and strength don’t have to feel like a boot camp. You can learn these life skills while enjoying yourself as well. Leaving the comfort zone of your home and embracing the great outdoors is an effective way to start. Just follow the five tips given below to begin your transformation into a stronger and healthier version of yourself.

1. Start Early

As you plan your journey to build resilience, take the kids along with you. They’re at a stage where their habits are being shaped. So, try to incorporate as many healthy activities as possible. Even if you can’t go hiking every weekend, take them out to the park or community center. Time spent on playground equipment can make them physically fit and socially aware, teaching them how to navigate the outside world.

Planning bike rides with the family or enjoying a quiet picnic in the woods can be energizing. Be prepared for cuts, bruises, or mosquito bites. That’s exactly why you’re there, though, to prove to yourself that you can handle any unexpected situation. You’ll also be teaching the children not to avoid the outdoors just because of one bad experience. Mother Nature can be a tough teacher, but the lessons help you throughout your life.

2. Be Prepared for Nature

The weather app may often throw you a curveball and leave you stranded in a thunderstorm. Think of it as an adventure instead of an emergency. The experience may be harrowing at the time, but years later you’ll be laughing about it with friends. Face the unpredictability of the weather with flexibility and innovation. Your objective is to train your mind to find solutions rather than complain about the problem.

With every bad experience, you can learn how to prepare for the future. Invest in an emergency kit with basic first aid supplies. Keep extra food and water just in case the trip takes longer than planned. Don’t leave for a high-risk adventure, without an emergency beacon to send distress signals. It’s healthy to push your boundaries, but safety should be your first priority.

3. Challenge Yourself

Take it slow, but keep raising the bar. Try new and exciting activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, or trail running. Every expert was an amateur at one time, so there’s no shame in starting from scratch. You never know, you might unlock some hidden talents you didn’t even know you had. Also, the happiness you’ll get by achieving your targets can do wonders for your self-confidence.

Keep in mind, it’s best not to overexert yourself or take on an activity you’re not prepared for. Set realistic goals for yourself, so that you can build your stamina — slowly but steadily. Reflect on your progress regularly, and think about the obstacles you faced. Every challenge you overcome can help you plan better for next time, so you achieve your targets faster in the future.

4. Celebrate Victories

Getting out of your comfort zone is no ordinary feat. Whether you climbed a mountain or just went for a jog around the block, be proud of yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. Only you know how much of an effort it took to reach the level you’ve reached. Take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come and give yourself a pat on the back.

The initial phase of adopting an active lifestyle is often the hardest, so try finding friends to keep you motivated. Join a local adventure group so you build resilience as well as team-building skills. Everything becomes more fun when you have someone with whom you can share the experience. Try to find like-minded people who appreciate nature as much as you.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Nature isn’t just a pretty background for your photographs. It can be a powerful ally in your quest for inner peace and strength. Whenever you’re outdoors, on the beach or in your own backyard, pay attention to your surroundings. Breathe deeply and smell the flowers that withstand the harsh winds. Hear the birds singing happily despite their flimsy homes. Feel the pebbles, soil, and grass coexist with each other.

There are lessons of resilience all around, but you must take out time to understand them. Nature teaches you flexibility, so you adapt comfortably to new environments just like the plants and animals. A mindful walk can make you stronger, as it is the perfect blend of relaxation and exercise. It can be a refreshing and invigorating experience that can help you let go of your worries.

No matter what your age, gender, or fitness level you can start your journey toward resilience today. Start small, but dream big. Slowly and gradually, you’ll feel physically and mentally stronger. The resilience and agility you develop makes you more prepared for whatever challenge life throws at you.