With the introduction of Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), it’s time to go outdoors and get that breath of fresh air!
Have you noticed that picnic group pictures are popping up everywhere? Well, it’s a sign for you to go on a picnic! Picnics are a staple in socialising activities, afterall, who wouldn’t love being in good company while enjoying good food in a scenic environment? Keeping in mind to practice social distancing, picnics are a low risk social activity to do while spending quality time with those you enjoy spending time with.
Here are some ways on how you can benefit from going on a picnic!
#1 Sun-in, Sun-out
Spending time outdoors allows us to get some sun in. Not only does sun aid in absorption of vitamin D and calcium, it can also make you happier, calmer and more focused. This is because sunlight exposure increases the release of serotonin – a happy hormone, in our brains.
#2 Stop and smell the roses
Take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the breeze in the park! People who live in the cities were often found to have an overload of stimulation level which increases the stress levels and eventually takes a toll on your mental health.
#3 Good on the mind
Natural environments are good for your mental health! According to the National Academy of Sciences, people who spent some time in a natural environment had a lower level of anxiety. They followed up with a statement that the increase in urbanisation is correlated with an increased risk in mental illnesses. Go out and get in touch with mother nature for the sake of your psychological and physical well-being!
#4 Time off
Do you feel you need to have your electronic devices with you while you eat? Well this habit of yours might just be one of the reasons behind compromised family bonding time over dinners, especially when most families are now having dinners together only every once in a while. In the 21st century, gadgets and technologies surround us and the reliance on them doesn’t look like it’s going to die down anytime soon, even our textbooks are being replaced by electronic books (e-books). Going on a picnic allows us to enjoy our favourite foods while taking in the beautiful scenery that we so often do not get to see from being confined within the four walls most of the time. Besides that, we also get to reconnect with our friends and family, be kept updated on the ongoings of their lives and bond.
Sidebar: What to bring to a picnic
- Umbrellas, hats, sunscreen and mosquito repellent
- Trashbags
- Utensils and napkins
- Foods packed from home, your favourite cafe or dessert place
- Picnic blanket and basket
- Refreshing drinks and fruits for the hot weather
Picnic locations in Malaysia
Here are some scenic picnic spots in Malaysia for a perfect weekend activity.
Taman Empangan Park
- Address: Lebuh Gemilang, Presint 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya
Taman Saujana Hijau
- Address: Jalan P11, Presint 11, 62000 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya
Perdana Botanical Garden
- Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
KLCC Park
- Address: Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Kepong Metropolitan Park
- Address: Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2, Kepong Metropolitan Lake garden, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Source: UrbanDesignMentalHealth, Healthline, AbuDhabiWorld
