Bugs and Sunshine!
- hellodrtina
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 3
Studying the seemingly insignificant details of tiny bugs opened my eyes to the intricacy of design of our Creator where form defines function. Wading in cold streams to catch dragonfly nymphs or setting up black lights in a field at night to attract night bugs were exhilarating college experiences for me. It was nature at it’s best.
That’s why I recommend kids get out into nature and if that means catching bugs, there are actually many physical benefits of this. Going on a bug hunt can:
Sharpen a child’s observational skills.
Develop hand-eye coordination
Develop gross motor skills: lifting heavy rocks, sprinting to catch flying bugs
Develop fine motor skills: using forceps
Learn Magnification
Counting & sorting
Even if you decide not to do a bug hunt, there are so many benefits of being outdoors.
Getting out into nature has so many benefits. I encourage kids and adults to get one hour of sunshine a day. Sunlight is the primary source of Vitamin D which helps with strong bones and a powerful immune system. For mood and mental health, sunlight increases the production of serotonin, which can elevate mood, reduce symptoms of depression, and promote happy feelings. Sunlight also helps regulate the body’s internal clock, our circadian rhythm, which helps sleep quality & patterns. Getting sunshine helps to reduce stress too because sunlight triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural stress relievers. There are even studies that show that morning light may help people keep weight off. Moderate amounts of sunlight can even prevent against certain cancers.
Everything in life is balance. Unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, and skin cancer.
To protect your skin from the sun, you can:
Limit exposure during peak sunlight hours
Wear sunscreen with a high SPF
Wear protective clothing and sunglasses
Seek shade periodically
Comments