With the heat and humidity of summer likely behind us, autumn is the perfect time to get outside and make exercise and play a priority. I often wonder why we encourage play in children’s lives but seemingly rebuke play in adulthood. Through play we get physical activity, social and emotional benefits, like stress relief and maintaining a community of friends. Why is it so many of us traded play for adult responsibilities? The two don’t need to be mutually exclusive.
According to the CDC, almost 3/4 of Americans will die of a chronic disease, many of which are preventable through proper diet and exercise. When we focus on playful fun, getting physical activity comes naturally, seemingly without the work, effort or perceived time commitment. Make this season your time to achieve the minimum 150-300 minutes per week of moderate physical exercise recommended by the World Health Organization. Have a teenager? Don’t leave them at home. According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Adolescence, 75% of US teens don’t get enough exercise. Here are some local ideas to get you started.
1. Take a Hike – The Lakes Region is rich with easy and moderate terrain for a walk or hike. Check out Page Pond Community Forest in Meredith for an easy 3.3 miler or try the Old Bridal Path in the West Rattlesnake nature area for a more challenging trek. At 1.7 miles this moderate hike will take just under an hour to complete and includes some beautiful views of the lake.
2. Explore the WOW trail on your bicycle – Built within the State of New Hampshire owned railroad right-of-way, alongside the active tracks currently leased to the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, the trail spans from Elm Street in Lakeport to downtown Laconia and then on to the Belmont town line where it meets with Belmont’s Winnisquam Scenic Trail. This creates 4.25 miles of continuous trail between Lakeport and Belmont’s Osborne’s Agway. It is paved, 10 feet wide and a safe multi use area for bikers and pedestrians with easy access and parking at both ends.
3. Try something new! Sign up for tennis lessons at Gilford Hills, ask a golfer friend to take you to a driving range or join a bowling league over at Funspot.
4. Pick that sport back up. Find an organized activity from your past to enjoy the thrill of a little competition while making some new friends in the now. Adult soccer, softball and hockey leagues are available throughout the granite state.
5. Go apple picking! Make a date and mark the calendar. Don’t miss this season favorite. Fresh air, wandering through the orchard and enjoying fresh picked, ripe apples is good for the mind, body and soul. You’ll be supporting local agriculture which is healthy for our community in more ways than one. Find the perfect place – apple picking orchards are listed on the visitnh.gov website.
6. Feeling adventurous? Check out the outdoor activities in our own backyard at Gunstock. Try a zip line or aerial adventure treetop course. There’s no need to wait for snow to enjoy the gorgeous Winnipesaukee views from atop Gunstock Mountain.
Admittedly, one of the greatest health benefits of play is the physical exercise, but incorporating more “sedentary” play into your week still offers great health benefits. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that play can reduce stress and anxiety in children, helping them cope with challenges and develop resilience. Likewise, research published in the American Journal of Play found that adults who regularly engage in social play activities are more likely to have strong social networks and higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Find a new hobby or make time to do the things you enjoy. From reading, writing and puzzle making to pottery or musical instruments, downtime and pleasurable activities provide stress relief, social and emotional benefits for adults and kids alike. Let your inner child out and enjoy playtime for the health of it.