Holistic Hike

Winter Fun

Remember when you were a kid?

Lots of snow meant finding the biggest hill you could, dragging your toboggan up and blasting down!

Perhaps the hill may not have been all that big, or maybe you had the good fortune as I have to have grown up in the Rockies. However, it likely did not matter, tobogganing was a great way to get out and enjoy winter no matter what the size of the hill! Some of my cousins from Yorkton Saskatchewan got very inventive with their big farm dog who had the fun of pulling the toboggan. Up the hill he went lugging three kids behind him, and then scrambling to get out of the way when they went down hill!

One of my best memories I have is when our parents and other adults joined in the fun. We got hold of a huge air tube that held about six people on it and went screaming down Bear Hill (of course now days I would be much more sensible with a helmet on!). This very memory brings to mind the fact that as adults we need to take the time out to go have the same fun as we did when we were kids. We read about it in magazines or hear about it on TV to play like you did when you were young! This not only benefits us, but our kids as well, they like us to be there having fun with them, no matter how "uncool" the older ones tell us it is. Believe it or not, we can teach our teenagers that although they are growing up, it is still ok to play sometimes. It is also an excellent way to spend time with them and keep them focused during trifling times.

Perhaps you live in an area where there is a big lake for skating on. Perfect! Get those skates back on and go, or fumble you way across the ice if you haven't skated in a few years, you will soon get the hang of it. Don't worry, if you fall and feel awkward, take comfort in the fact that you are providing an important source of amusement for your young ones (and even yourself!)

Winter fun is an imperative part of learning to live in a cold country, no matter what type of winter fun it is. As I mentioned in my previous article, getting out can help alleviate depression which seems to be more prevalent in the winter. The most important thing to remember though is that fun is the key, no matter what age you are. Getting back in touch with the spontaneous childlike side of you can heal a world of hurts. It is a great way to reduce stress, an excellent way to have a laugh, a fun way to exercise (especially for those who don't enjoy exercising) and can bring you back into focus with your kids!

By Brenda Holder