**Inside Scoop:** Over the years, the time kids spend playing outside in nature has been dropping steadily, and it’s having a big impact on their physical and mental health.
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When I step outside, I notice my shoulders unwind, my lungs expand, and I’m able to take a deep breath. Just like that, I feel… lighter. This is the simple yet incredible power of nature. Just a few moments in the great outdoors brings noticeable positive changes to both my mind and body.
It’s easy to see why nature is such an effective tool for calming both kids and adults. There’s something uniquely powerful about nature and its ability to positively affect us. Since time immemorial, humans have had a deep connection with the natural world. In the past, people lived closely tied to the land, seeing natural spaces as extensions of their homes. Many cultures today still maintain strong bonds with nature, benefiting greatly in terms of both physical and mental well-being.
However, in our modern Western culture, children are becoming increasingly distanced from nature. Researchers have termed this growing separation as ‘Nature Deficit Disorder.’ Studies indicate that while screen time has surged, outdoor playtime has significantly dwindled for children.
It has been challenging to pinpoint the direct effects of reduced outdoor activity on kids. Still, recent studies suggest a link between less exposure to nature during childhood and poorer mental health in adulthood. For instance, a study involving nearly 3,600 people from four European countries by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health showed a connection between limited childhood experience with nature and increased feelings of anxiety and depression later in life. The findings revealed that those with lower scores on mental health assessments had spent less time in nature as children, regardless of their adult habits. Additionally, these individuals tended to value natural spaces less than others.
This is just one of several studies now drawing a connection between childhood nature play and adult mental health. Another recent study found that kids growing up in natural environments have up to a 55% lower risk of developing mental disorders as adults. Kristine Engemann, the study’s author, explained that the benefits grow stronger with more years spent near nature. This suggests that exposure to green spaces throughout childhood is vital and accumulates over time.
The advantages of playing in nature extend beyond just mental health. Nature significantly contributes to children’s all-round development — intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and physically (Kellert, 2005).
Clearly, there’s work to be done to encourage our kids to spend more time outside. For the sake of their mental and physical health, we now understand that returning to nature is a crucial protective factor against mental health issues.
What are your child’s favorite types of nature play?
This post includes a free printable list highlighting the perks of outdoor play for kids! Keep it handy to remind yourself to encourage your kids to ditch the screens and head outside!
**Take a look:**
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