When was the last time you kicked a ball? Just for the fun of it, not competition. How about sliding down a sliding board or exploring the jungle gym at your local park? Even just plain old swinging. Maybe riding a bike just to cruise, not to get a certain number of miles in. Remember those days when playing outside was the norm? Just having fun with no goal in mind and no structure, just doing whatever purely for the fun of it. Unfortunately, as we age, we create to-do lists that end up being too long to add any play.

Now I admit if your not with children, playing on the jungle gym might raise a few eyebrows. Even so, the point is to be outside and be active for the fun of it. This really connects us to our surroundings and somehow enlivens our spirits. Technology is amazing but it does have downfalls. We can be connected to phones, tablets, computers, and TV for hours. I have never heard someone say that they feel energized after being in front of a screen for hours on end. In fact, it really does seem to deplete our well being. It does not fulfill us like being outside and being active. I love exercise, but when everything is structured all the time, it is destined to leave us with a sense of feeling unsatisfied. Adding a day where there is no schedule and you can play might just energize your fitness regime. Getting some friends together to shoot hoops or a weekly fun volleyball game outside. The important word here is fun.

Having fun sets us free from our very long structured to do lists. In fact, the to-do list might not feel so overwhelming if you find some time to have fun. Studies have shown having fun decreases stress and improves moods. Also, just being out in the environment grounds us and gives us vitamin D and fresh air. This spring find some fun activities you like to do and build it into your week. Play is not just for kids, it's for all of us.

Enjoy your spring and embrace the child in you. For more information about fitness and health, please contact Kay Colgan at Middleburg Pilates and Personal Training, 14 S. Madison Street, Middleburg, Va. Or call 540-687-6995.