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Not too long ago, the standard form of childhood entertainment was to simply go outside and play. As the kids whose childhoods were spent outdoors have become parents, they’ve noticed their own children prefer to stay inside instead. To encourage more active play, many parents are turning to the best sports toys for 4 year olds, helping little ones rediscover the joy of movement and outdoor fun. Tablets with endless entertainment beckon, streaming channels overflow with options, and the comfort of the indoors looks pretty good.
While indoor activities can be fun, there are benefits that come from playing outside and just being a kid. Many believe that the time that kids experience true adolescence is abbreviated now, especially as they’re emulating teen behaviour during single-digit ages. Kids are also experiencing greater mental stress than ever before, but returning to outdoor play can help improve their well-being. There are many psychological benefits that come from playing outside.
1. Increased creativity
The ideas from a child’s mind are magical, and the great outdoors can be a hotbed of creativity. Kids explore nature, create stories, and transform playground equipment into a castle under attack by a menacing dragon. Their creativity comes alive when safe, well-designed spaces give kids the freedom to run, climb, and hide. A playground newcomer can quickly be assigned the role of hero or villain and easily fall into the storyline. Without the rigidity of school and home life, kids’ creativity is cultivated, encouraged, and nimble.
2. Positive mood
Adults often are told to take a walk if they’re feeling down and kids can get the same benefit from outdoor play. Fresh air, vitamin D from the sun, and a change in setting can be the much-needed reset a kid needs. Sunlight increases the body’s production of mood-enhancing serotonin, as can the chance to play and move their body. By changing the setting, kids are forced to reassess their surroundings, make new decisions, and start over. They might choose a brisk swing set session, game of tag, or challenging climbing wall, all of which can boost their mood.
3. Less stress and anxiety
Exposure to nature and outdoor spaces also aligns one’s mental wellness with calming spaces. By using outdoor time as a respite from digital devices, stressors, and unwelcome challenges, kids learn better self-regulation. While kids should still learn healthy coping skills, knowing that outdoor play can provide a reset is crucial. Being in nature encourages being in the present moment, which can reduce anxiety and improve self-image and awareness. Outdoor play also offers kids a break from their usual routine and structure, putting them in charge of what’s next.
4. Better social skills
Kids who practice their social skills often typically have better communication skills in adulthood, a soft skill that’s quickly dwindling. On the playground, communication is key to having fun and getting a chance to swing on the best swing set. Kids practise boundary setting, exercise rules, and negotiation while engaging in outdoor play. Groups come together for known or made-up games, and participants will assign roles and structures naturally. Playing in this group setting helps kids practice empathy, compassion, and teamwork in a natural, fun way.
5. Gains in focus and attention
There is a constant battle for our attention, and kids today likely have it harder than generations before. Loud advertisements, notifications, and constant demands to look, do, and check out the latest thing abound. With so many options, it’s no wonder kids have a hard time focusing on deep work and maintaining attention spans. Taking a break to play outdoors gives kids’ brains a break from forced attention, letting their minds reset naturally. By putting kids in charge of play instead of receiving entertainment, they can show improvements in focus and attention elsewhere.
6. Better connection and understanding of nature
Interacting with the world around you leads to better understanding and appreciation. Regular exposure to and enjoyment of natural spaces like parks, preserves, and gardens can lead to lifelong enjoyment. People of all ages can understand how they coexist with animals, plant life, and natural spaces. In the long term, those exposed to nature may be better stewards of the environment and more mindful consumers. They also learn empathy and kindness to creatures and plant life, no matter their place in the food chain.
7. Boosts in physical fitness and health
Healthy habits are best established when you’re young, and outdoor play can support lifelong physical and mental health. Learning how powerful and strong your body is at a young age can boost self-confidence, self-image, and self-worth. The challenge of scaling a rock wall may present an initial sense of doubt, but when it’s achieved, confidence soars. Exercise is known to release endorphins, which naturally lift moods and increase mental well-being. With an outdoor habit, kids grow into adults who prioritise outdoor time, potentially improving mental and physical health for life.
Get outdoors and improve your mental well-being at any age
Outdoor play is something everyone can enjoy and adults who set a positive example for kids can enjoy better relationships. Make a point to get outside and play daily, visit your local playground, park, or take a walk. Let kids be free, and encourage them to take age-appropriate, manageable risks that allow them to explore and overcome fears and challenges.
Over time, they’ll develop emotional resilience and learn to trust themselves while also feeling empowered by your belief in them. In observing their growth and achievements during outdoor play, you’ll create strong bonds and lasting memories. Hopefully, you’ll also improve your well-being together.
Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
