LISA ARCHER, EDUCATIONAL & DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST, STRONG MINDS PSYCHOLOGY
Don’t freak out!
When I say “active”, I am not suggesting that we all have to start training for the Melbourne Marathon! All I am talking about is taking time with our family or friends to fit movement into our day, and build on relationships.
Being “active” could include any or all of the following:
- playing a game of Twister
- bouncing/throwing/rolling/kicking a ball with or next to your child/friend
- building sand castles
- gardening
- running or riding
- walking to the corner of the street and back
- playing with the pet dog/cat/bunny/ferret
- digging a hole and filling it up
- roller blading
- bouncing on the trampoline
- bush walking
- exploring a new section of the local playground or trail
I was inspired to write this a few years ago as I took an adventure with my children (9 and 8 at the time). I was feeling VERY under prepared for a half marathon (21.1km) that I signed up for that was in TWO WEEKS (argh!), so I suggested to the kids that we attempt to ride/run to Warburton and back. My morning was full of worry thoughts, a worry tummy, thinking “how am I going to make this?” (bet that sounds familiar to many?!)
So off we went, me straggling along behind as the kids rode their bikes off into the distance! Multiple fruit/water breaks, road crossings, and “Good mornings” later, we made it to our half way point, and my son exclaimed, “Mum, I feel so proud of myself!” They had never ridden to that town before, and now we knew we would be travelling their longest bike trip today. The kids rode further up hills than they had before, and even managed to not freak out as they zoomed down hills!
Well, to make a long story short, we made it all the way back again – success! High fives and celebratory snags from the CFA sausage sizzle were just the way to finish off a tiring but fabulous 20km.
Massive thank-you to both of my children for inspiring me that day, and helping me to go further than I would have on my own! Since then, they have definitely ridden hundreds more kms on their own or helping me to keep going when my legs are giving up!
I’d love to hear about what you and your “active” buddy/family are getting up to these school holidays!
If you need additional support enhancing your mental health, or supporting the mental health of a loved one, call the team at Strong Minds Psychology on 03 5967 1438 or email us at smpteam@strongminds.net.au
*updated from original Feb 2019 post
About the Author:
Lisa is an Educational & Developmental Psychologist, and Director of Strong Minds Psychology (Yarra Junction & Warragul, Victoria). Lisa has over a decade of experience working in & with school staff to support the educational, social, & emotional needs of children throughout their school career, and beyond. Lisa thrives on working with people in a team approach, creating positive support networks for children and adults. She provides assessments, counselling and therapy – helping with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief & loss, social skills, and anger management.
