Getting Kids Outdoors To Improve Mental Health

Decades ago, children spent most of their free time outside playing, learning and exploring. Today’s kids spend the vast majority of their time inside. With depression and anxiety rates rising, it may be more important than ever to get kids outdoors to help improve their mental health.

Do you remember being told “Go outside and play!” when you were young? Do you remember spending all day outside, only coming in to eat? It has been estimated that today’s teens and kids spend roughly 7 hours per day staring at screens. With spring here, now is the time to change this! Let’s get our kids back outdoors and help improve their overall mental and physical health.

Outdoor Play Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Many of today’s kids have very structured lives. When there is free time, the child is signed up for swim lessons, music lessons or play groups. While some structure is needed, kids also need free time. They need time for creativity, natural movement, and recovery from structured activities.

Getting kids outdoors for unstructured free time allows the child to express their creativity. There is less stress when outdoors with the freedom in movement, voice and activity. Children get to control their actions and build confidence.

When kids are given the chance to play outside, they are happier. Their anxiety decreases while concentration increases. And all of this happens with just a simple change in location!

Kids Move More Outdoors and Improve Mental Health

Most of us know that physical activity is good for our body and minds. The same is true for kids. And while kids can move inside, it drastically increases if given the chance to go outdoors. Children move more when they’re outside. It’s just that simple.

When kids (and adults) are outdoors, their moods naturally increase. The outdoors help increase the ability to concentrate all the while reducing stress.

Unstructured play outdoors helps kids to naturally use their creativity and imaginations in games and activities. This helps children to increase social skills and also perform better in school. When kids are exposed to nature, they achieve an overall sense of well-being.

Small Steps Outdoors to Improve Mental Health in Kids

We can sometimes get caught in the planning portion of an event or activity. Maybe you want to get to a nearby park for a walk but that involves timing dinner, school work, and other activities. Sometimes it just takes 1 simple step to make a big change. So instead of getting hung up on planning a big adventure to a national park, just take 1 small step, and go outside. No plans attached! Just go outside with your kids and see where nature takes you.

If you’re looking for simple ways to add more outdoor time in your family’s life, try a walk around the block after dinner. If you have a few more minutes, you could create a simple scavenger hunt for your kids in the backyard, on a walk, or at a park.

This spring, let’s work on getting our kids outside for some much needed sunshine, fresh air, and the freedom to be kids.

Therapy For Kids, Washington, PA

You may find it difficult to think your child may need therapy and we understand.  As child therapists in Washington, PA, we work with your child to get to the root of the concern and help your child to communicate their worries.  Your child will learn healthy ways to cope with their worries, fears and uncertainties.

If you have any concerns about your child’s behavior, or if you would like to get to know us a little better, please call (724) 503-6670 or email us at admin@inthenowcounseling.org. You can also talk reach us on Facebook as well as Instagram.