Heading outside to refresh minds

CHILDREN and adults at home are encouraged to step into their garden to bust boredom, and keep their bodies and minds well, as part of the Backyard Brain Breaks initiative.

A partnership project of YMCA Bannockburn and the Golden Plains Shire, the program includes online videos with tools and activity ideas families can enjoy together, utilising basic items around the house.

YMCA Geelong CEO, Shona Eland said the Backyard Brain Breaks series of 10 clips, including games like sharp shooters, leaping lizards and bowling, has been “designed by young people for young people.”

“Two of our gymnastics coaches, India and Emily, started working on some ideas around what they could use within the normal home environment to keep kids active, and something parents could do with their kids to get focussed and keep active,” she said.

“Some people don’t necessarily have a PE or sports background, but it’s just about activity, movement and engaging with your kids. Getting them off devices and into the backyard doing something.

“It’s not just physical activity, but mental wellbeing.”

One of the most positive noticeable changes Ms Eland has seen throughout the community during lockdown is the increase in residents moving on-foot in their neighbourhood.

“The number of families that are walking their dogs together and exercising together has been fabulous,” she said.

Her team’s faced some changes during this period too, but they haven’t been so pleasing.

“We’ve just put 160 people off at The Y, and they’re coaches, people who interact with kids and love kids, so it’s been important to give them a distraction by designing the online programs.”

Visit geelong.ymca.org.au/news-gk5-hidden-link/422-backyard-brain-breaks to watch the video series and access downloadable resources.

YMCA Bannockburn has a close partnership with the Golden Plains Shire, promoting health and wellbeing. Before COVID-19 social restrictions, the groups were set to coordinate This Girl Can week celebrations in late March, promoting activity and sport for women.