As life evolves, humans are spending more time with technology and less time with nature. Growing evidence shows that time outdoors has both physical and psychological benefits for adults and children alike.
Spending just 2 hours per week outside for recreational activities has been shown to have the following impacts:
- Improved mood and increased happiness
- Lower stress
- Improved executive function skills, including improved attention, better memory, and increased cognitive flexibility
- Increased empathy and cooperation
- Reduced risk of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use disorders
- Increased vitamin D
- Increased physical activity
While children experience these same benefits, additional benefits have been noted in children including better self-control, better school performance, increased self-esteem, and increased creativity.
Time to shut down your device and go outside to reap the many benefits nature has to offer.
Additional information:
Human Benefits of Green Spaces, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
The Importance of Outdoor Experiences in the Primary Years, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/pdf/g2202.pdf
Source: The American Psychological Association