Family Life

The teen or young adult of the family maybe be more comfortable connecting with the world digitally, but Una Rice has seven great ways to nudge them off the sofa to explore outdoor life.

We all know how brilliant and replenishing it feels to spend time in the outdoors – whether it’s breathing in the scents of a forest, trekking an unknown trail, or just pruning the overgrown hedges in the garden. There’s something about being outdoors that makes us feel more connected and alive. So, we often find ourselves trying to ‘sell’ that invigorating feeling to someone indoors, especially when we know they will gain great value from pulling the headphones off and unplugging themselves from technology. And while it’s easy to get little ones involved, encouraging the teen plus group outside can be at times a little more challenging. A few freshly installed ideas, however, may just get a sofa-hugger to see the outdoors in a new perspective, as something that’s deserving of constant exploration that’s great for mental and physical health.

1. Take a foot hold

Walks cannot be underestimated as one of the best ways to reset your mind if you’re feeling agitated or stressed. Take those conversations with the young adults in your life outside and walk off your issues. A study from Stanford University found that walking boosts creativity, so if a teen in your life is seeking answers remind them that creative output is boosted by up to 60 per cent whilst treading the paths. In fact, Apple founder Steve Jobs, apparently conducted many of his meetings on foot. Don’t stick to the same routes either, cycle or park somewhere different and walk from there – preferably within nature. Another study found that walking in a more natural setting has benefits over a busy traffic-heavy area. The part of the brain linked with a factor of depression had less activity when the people walked in a natural environment rather than an urban one. Nature walks really are worth making part of a weekend morning or daily routine. Set it in stone. Breathe and enjoy.

2. Backyard escapes

Give the young creative person in your life a chance to express it through making something in your garden that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Sometimes all you have to do is provide the spark of an idea before the creative juices get flowing. During lockdown ‘garden firepits’ actually became a thing. You can easily construct your own, quickly and cheaply, with dozens of design ideas online. Doing a physical activity in the garden like digging a hole to install a firepit can actually be really invigorating and the creative aspect is something your teen might really enjoy. Why stop there? Ask for a no dig gravel patio where you can all sit in the evening and enjoy the flames. No dig vegetable gardens have become hugely popular in the last few years. With minimal digging involved, these provide an easy access way to enjoy your immediate outdoors and there’s something satisfying about growing your own food. 

3. Into the wild

Awaken the sense of adventure with wild trail treks when restrictions allow. From the Hill of Tara walk in Meath, to hikers’ favourite Errigal in Donegal, to dolphin spotting Ballycotton Cliff Walk in Cork, we are spoiled in Ireland with an abundance of walks and rewarded with amazing views. Whether your preferred terrain is mountain, woods or coast, for scenic walks, treks and loops all over the island visit discoverireland.ie. Be prepared by wearing the right, comfortable gear for the weather, so that it’s an experience that they will want to repeat.

4. Go Undercover

Whilst glamping definitely has its advantages, the idea of wild camping certainly brings out the inner Bear Grylls in some of us. Your son or daughter may be just waiting to discover the joys of sleeping under canvas. The main rules are to seek permission from the owner wherever you intend to wild camp and, to leave no sign behind that you were ever there – leave no trace. Respecting the environment is of paramount importance whilst you get to go off the beaten track and enjoy Ireland at its most rustic. 

5. It’s a shore thing

Sea water swimming is another activity that has surged in popularity in recent years, and advocates swear by the health-improving aspects of going for a dip even when it’s beyond chilly. Some of the benefits are increased endorphins and serotonin, working to lift the mood and invigorate. There is however safety advice to be followed and it’s worth visiting swimireland.ie for tips on avoiding cold water shock, recognizing hypothermia and respecting the open water.

6. Nurtured by nature

Sometimes you don’t have to go very far to get huge satisfaction from the outdoors. A couple of well-placed birdfeeders, a comfy chair and a pair of binoculars can spark a renewed interest in nature. You can even start making your environment around your property more bird and wildlife friendly with a pond, shrubs and birdboxes. Simple things that spark joy. Check out birdwatchireland.ie. 

7. It’s in the stars

Sitting outside enjoying what the world offers can be extended to night-time with a decent telescope. If you’ve got a budding amateur astronomer in the family, there are many astronomy clubs in Ireland where you can get advice on equipment and accessories and information about astronomy events. You can even sign up a beginner for evening classes. Check out astronomy.ie for more information on becoming a member.