Outdoor Activities Can Benefit a Child's Mental Well-Being
It’s no secret that children need plenty of exercise, but what many people don’t realize is that the best kind of exercise for kids is the kind that also gets them outside and active. When it comes to mental health, outdoor activities are fantastic.
There are a variety of studies that have shown that children who participate in outdoor activities have better mental health and wellness overall than their counterparts who spend more time inside. In this article, we'll go over some of the mental health benefits of kids participating in outdoor activities and how they can make that a part of their routine.
Children's mental health and outdoor activities
Outdoor activities are crucial for children’s mental health and well-being. They provide an opportunity for children to get exercise, fresh air, and sunlight. Outdoor activities also allow children to explore their natural surroundings and develop a deeper connection to the world around them.
Outdoor activities can help children to manage their emotions, connect with others, and learn new skills as well as a variety of other beneficial factors that we will go through in this blog.
Regardless of if they are just starting kindergarten or are about to head off to high school, it is important to find outdoor activities that are the right fit for your child. Some children may enjoy something more adventurous such as rock climbing or skiing, while others may prefer a casual hike or playing in a park or garden.
Encouraging your child to participate in outdoor activities is a great way to help them stay healthy both mentally and physically.
Mental health benefits of children participating in outdoor activities
Here are 6 mental health benefits children can experience from participating in outdoor activities:
1. Lower levels of stress
When children participate in outdoor activities, they are able to explore and engage with their surroundings, which allows them to foster a sense of exploration and discovery. This can lead to an improved mental state from lower stress levels as children learn about their environment and themselves.
A 2019 study showed that when children who normally interacted in an urban setting, participated in nature activities, their levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) greatly decreased.
2. Increased physical activity
Outdoor activities typically involve physical activity, which is beneficial for mental and physical health. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Research shows that physical activities outside can lower a person's blood pressure and heart rate. These are lessons and positive habits that children can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
3. Better sleep quality
It is common for kids to have poor sleep habits, and it can take time to develop ones that work for their needs. Outdoor activities can help children get better sleep. This is because exercise and being in a natural setting help promote healthy sleeping habits and stabilize the emotional wellness of a child.
4. Increased social interaction
Outdoor activities provide opportunities for children to socialize and make friends with others who share their interests. This can help boost self-esteem and confidence, which can greatly add to the emotional wellness of a child. These can establish building blocks for success later in life as well, since they may be more adept at navigating various social situations that develop throughout one's life.
5. Development of new skills
Through outdoor activities, children can learn new skills such as how to navigate unfamiliar terrain or how to work as part of a team. These skills can be beneficial in future relationships, jobs, and everyday activities.
6. Improved mental toughness
Participating in challenging outdoor activities can help build mental toughness in children by teaching them how to cope with difficult situations and persevere through hardships. It also allows them to develop the necessary skills of creativity and increased cognition.
Determining the best approach to a problem in a safe environment allows kids to build those skills while flexing their creative muscles which is an important aspect in the growth of a child.
Tips for parents on how to get their children outdoors and active
Parents can encourage their children to get outdoors by setting a good example themselves. If parents are active and enjoy being outside, their children are more likely to want to participate as well. Parents can also make getting outdoors and active fun for kids by planning activities that they will enjoy. This could include going for hikes, playing tag, or visiting a nearby park.
Spending time in these activities can create strong bonds between you and your child, and they can associate positive memories with outdoor experiences which they can then pass on to future generations.
Another way to encourage children to get outdoors is to have an honest and informative talk about the importance of nature and being active outdoors. Explaining these benefits to children can help motivate them to be more active while also encouraging them to learn ways in which they can appreciate the natural environments around them.
Finally, parents can help their children stay safe when participating in outdoor activities by ensuring they are wearing the correct clothing, using sunscreen, and how to be aware of their surroundings. This knowledge is an important part of teaching children about all aspects of the environment. Hopefully, this can help them develop a deeper appreciation and love for the natural world.
How Adventure Education Solutions provides access to outdoor educational activities for children
Adventure Education Solutions works with California school districts to provide access to outdoor educational activities for children through a variety of programs including our after-school programs and camps.
Students in our after-school programs explore the natural sciences in an interactive, engaging way that incorporates grade-appropriate, activity-based lessons involving:
Forests
Wildlife
Water & Air
Energy
Waste management
Climate change
Invasive species
Community planning
Our camps provide a fun and safe place for campers of all ages to spend time outdoors exploring, playing, making friends, and learning about nature. These activities not only provide a chance for children to get outside and explore the natural world, but also offer an opportunity for them to learn new skills and build confidence. In these camps, kids can take part in:
Rock climbing
Winter sports
Alpine ski racing
Fishing
SCUBA
Figure skating
Hockey
Woodworking
All of these programs highlight the key benefits of learning and exploring outdoor spaces that can have tremendous benefits for the children who participate.
Final Thoughts
Mental health is a critical part of overall health and well-being, yet it often goes overlooked. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve the mental well-being of a child, including by participating in outdoor activities. Outdoor activities have been shown to provide numerous benefits for children, including reducing stress levels and improving moods. In addition, outdoor activities can help children learn problem-solving skills and boost their self-confidence.
Contact Adventure Education Solutions today to discover how we can provide your students with first-hand experiences with nature.
At Adventure Education Solutions, we introduce students to outdoor environments and present them with experiences that challenge them physically, socially, and mentally. Contact us to learn more about our after school programs, camps, and study abroad programs.
