5 Ways the Outdoors Positively Impacts Children's Mental Health

Exploring the Connection Between Outdoor Play and Children's Emotional Development

We could all do with getting some fresh air a bit more, but children even more so! In this day and age, it is so very easy to stay glued to a screen of some kind as there are too many stimulating options to keep you glued longer.

Encouraging our children to get outside and keep moving is absolute essential for their mental health. There is so much to be said for the simplicity of getting outside and enjoying what they can explore – especially here in The New Forest.

The physical benefits of getting outdoors are discussed quite frequently especially when linking back to health. However, looking after our mental health is crucial and that starts from childhood, as researched by Harvey et al, (2020) who did a study on 8-11 year old children and found their wellbeing improved simply from just 1hr outside connecting with nature.

Here are some important benefits the outdoors brings to children:

Reducing stress 

Enjoying fresh air and getting active can reduce stress, connecting with the outdoors is known to lower our cortisol levels – the chemical that’s associated with stress. Everyone has their own stresses from time to time, even little ones, especially with school work and preparing for SATs, it can take it's toll so getting outside can really help reset the mind. 

Better sleep 

Natural light is known to help regulate a child’s circadian rhythm which improves the quality of their sleep (and let’s be honest, that is crucial to everyone!) This helps not just our mental health but also physical, especially in those important early developmental years. 

Increased creativity 

From den building to imagining fun scenarios with their friends, a child’s imaginative side can really improve with some creative play. 

Improved self-esteem 

Simply by taking on new activities and trying something different, the confidence that comes from that is crucial to a child’s self esteem. They can come away from the experience feeling much more confident in themselves and believe that they can take on more challenges. 

Improved concentration

Being outside and focusing on a game, an activity or using the imagination can really bring back concentration. In a world where we scroll and scroll, click and swipe, concentration is a really essential skill to keep a hold of. 

This is why we love exploring the outdoors and delivering fun adventures, especially to primary school age children on our residentials. 

They can develop their confidence, communication with their friends, bonding with their class, learn something new and overall feel like they’ve had some fun in the outdoors and even gained a bit of independence being away from home. The list of positives is endless!

If you're interested in finding out more about how we can help take learning outside of the classroom, you can download our school trips brochure or fill in a form to plan your next adventure here.

Is there anything better than having a fun filled day of activities, camping under the stars with friends, toasting marshmallows and knowing that you are going to experience another adventure tomorrow? We don’t think so either! We hope to make those memories with you soon. 

References:

D.J. Harvey, L.N. Montgomery, H. Harvey, F. Hall, A.C. Gange, D. Watling

Psychological benefits of a biodiversity-focussed outdoor learning program for primary school children. J. Environ. Psychol., 67 (2020),