Why Nature Walks Are Great For Kids
The technological world we live in has many benefits in terms of connecting with one another and accessing information. On the other hand, technology overload is damaging our physical and mental health.
If your kids spend too much time watching TV, gaming or chatting to friends on social media, it’s time you encouraged them to head for the great outdoors or play in the local park more often.
Sitting for long periods has been linked with depression and other debilitating illnesses. Researchers have also found that staring at screens all day causes near-sightedness, insufficient sleep, headaches and obesity.
Everyone needs exercise and it’s beneficial for your children to adopt an active lifestyle early on in their development. Medical experts recommend raising the awareness of the benefits versus negative effects of exercise versus non-exercise.
Not only do we need to adopt active lifestyles, it turns out humans have an innate need to be immersed in the natural environment. So why not kill two birds with one stone and head for the hills. Or the forest. Or lake. Anywhere green really.
Connecting with Nature
Our connection with nature is not well understood among scientists. However, it has been established that nature is intrinsically beneficial to our health and wellbeing.
This concept is not well recognized in the West as it is in some other cultures. In Japan, for example, shinrin-yoku – literally translated as first bathing – is a popular lifestyle choice.
So, if your kids are getting too much screen time and not enough green time, it’s high time you changed their attitude towards exercise and nature. Get them excited about going on an adventure.
If you live within easy-reaching distance of natural surroundings, make the “escape the concrete jungle” a weekly family jaunt. You can make nature walks fun, engaging and educational for kids.
To get some ideas for things to do with kids in nature, check out these awesome ideas.
If the natural habitat is beyond your reach, encourage your kids to take advantage of local green spaces. Playing in the park is a good way for children to interact with other people, build bonds and learn how to adapt to social surroundings.
Nature Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The health benefits of walking in nature cannot be underestimated. Anxiety disorders among teenagers are at an all-time high. National Health Institutes report that 1 in 3 adolescents aged 13 to 18 has anxiety or depression.
The World Health Organization reports an increase in suicidal tendencies among young adults. Teenage suicide is at an all-time high. There has been a 47% increase since 2000.
The timeline seems to point the finger at technology. It is widely believed that social media platforms have played a central role in the decline of mental health.
Whilst part of the problem can be hanged on technology, there is also a lack of education around the health benefits of exercise. Parents, teachers and politicians have a responsibility to raise awareness of the negative impact screens have on the psychological development of children.
In contrast, nature walks have been found to reduce stress, fear, anxiety and depression. Seems like a no-brainer.
