benefits of having outdoor activities essay spm

Work and Relaxation

by Long (hong kong )

Many people think that nowadays people are being subjected to more and more pressure in their work and thus are having less and less time to relax. What is your opinion? Leisure time is essential in people's lives especially in this busy world, the valuable leisure time is getting less. However, people have different views on how to utilise their time. Some suggest to have mind improving activities yet the others believe resting is better. This essay will discuss on both sides of arguments. Some people believe having brain stimulation by activities can help in children development. Young people usually learn academic knowledges from school. Other than traditional learning, reading novels or science fiction stimulate their imagination, having mini- games such as world puzzles, Sudoku can facilitate their logical thinking. Multiple players' activities also provide platform for building teamwork. people can fully utilise their recreational time in order to improve their intelligence, which is important to become competitive in this crucial society. However, on the other hand, there are some strongly assert that resting is fundamental for leisure purpose. Nowadays, working over 50 hours a week is commonly seen elsewhere. Therefore, having such brain demanding activities after work or study would be a big burden to the participants. Instead, activities such as exercising, listening to music or even taking a nap would help recharging brain by simply resting. It is obvious that our brains require adequate rest to function in optimal level, people can concentrate on their works or learning after relaxation. In my opinion, both sides have their meets. Resting is significant between working intervals, while mind improving games boost brain development. Hence, I suggest people should employ mind stimulating activities if mentally capable. if people who get fatigue from using brain, mild activities would be good options to recharge. Please feedback on my Leisure Time Essay

Leisure Time and Study

by Orifjon (Tashkent)

In some countries young people have little leisure time and are under a lot of pressure to work hard on their studies. What do you think are the causes for this? What solutions can you suggest? From the perspective of history countries were divided into several levels according to their inner development and status. Nowadays current issue is still in trend. Basically, there are some countries where students study under pressure, not having time to relax or do some leisure activities. In this essay, major reasons and possible solutions will be outlined according to question above. In my modest opinion, the basis of current issue lies in deep roots of education system of discussing countries. More clearly, governments -when planning the system - were now aware of students, who will then have to study following the government's system. Pattern of education was schemed involving positive sides only for governments rather than students. Some countries, for instance, are strictly critisized in planning the system compressed in order to spend less budget of organisation. This is, obviously, the most frightening way of objection of humanity's civil rights. One possible approach can be found in altering the way governments look at future of their own. In other words, the fact that proves that young generation is government's main stick point in the future should agitate them. The second and the main reason, however, touches the field of schools, universities and other educational organisations. The difference between humankind and animals is only - human moral ability to fell and think. By this argument, students are not tend to feel moral help from educational institutions. 2/3 of all educational institutions forgot about "motivation", "inspiration" and "encouragement". In this cruel world all of humanity attempts to show his cruelty and violence. And from my strongest point of view, problem can be solved by encouraging students morally, to support and help by showing various ways that can withdraw out of harsh situations. Educational organisations should find out ways of innovative pedagogical methods. Only this way, problem of student pressure can be solved. By way of conclusion, I find it necessary to reaffirm my point on altering the way governments and educational organisations see their future, otherwise serious problems can occur in society of ours. *** What do you think of this Leisure Time Essay about studying? You can let the writer know by leaving your comments below.

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How I Spent My Leisure Time (Essay Sample)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Meaningfully engaging in life is investing in the things that you enjoy doing most. What gives you much joy and inspires you? What makes you feel giddy and relaxed at the end of doing it?

This essay focuses on leisure activities. The author explains his uses of leisure time and encourages others to get involved in leisure activities that are both fulfilling and satisfying at the end of a long day.

To try your hand at doing a custom essay on how you spend your leisure time, we’d be happy to help you with our essay writing services .

How I Spend My Leisure Time Essay

I admit that I am a very busy person, but I still believe in finding time to unwind and do enjoyable things. I intentionally block off time for leisure in my calendar. I also make it a point to aside resources and plan meticulously to ensure I get maximum relaxation from it.

Leisure is important to mental and physical wellness and should be taken seriously. It is a conscious decision I make to ensure that I am able to experience it regularly. Taking time out renews my vigor to tackle the challenging tasks I come across daily, as I am able to take breaks to reflect on a few issues about life. I mostly plan my leisure time on the weekends so that I can make space for my family and friends.

This is a short description of how I spend my leisure breaks.

How I Make My Free Time Count

My favorite way to spend my leisure time would be to hang out with my friends at the beach. I enjoy the cool breeze from the ocean and watching people have fun on the shore. Walking along the shores of the beach calms my inner chaos. Occasionally, I collect seashells on the beach and bring them to my siblings. Most of these outdoor activities highly depend on how favorable the weather is.

I also make the effort to make calls to friends I am unable to physically visit and check in on. Sometimes, the walks alone can take up my whole afternoon.

Other times, I like listening to the music albums of my favorite artists as I stroll along the beach. When the weather is hot, I like swimming on the beach or joining my friends to go fishing in deeper waters. Recently, I tried scuba diving and I liked the experience. I hope that I get to try it again soon. The breathtaking view of the reef is amazing. 

Sometimes, the weather confines me indoors, but that does not mean I cannot have a good leisure break.

If I am having my leisure getaway indoors, I like trying out new recipes and different cuisines from all over the world. Being busy in the kitchen trying out new dishes is enjoyable, to say the least. The meals don’t always turn out the way I expect them to, but the experience is always fun for me. 

Alternatively, I like reading non-fiction books, particularly those that talk about historical events, while relaxing on the couch. I like doing this with soft jazz playing in the background as I peruse through the pages.

At times, I also go to the cinemas and theaters and catch up on the latest movies and plays with friends. There are times when I just want to stay at home and catch up on my go-to shows. I like playing dance games competitively with my brother especially when he is in town. Although he is a better dancer than I am, we both enjoy the dance and have fun together.

I also travel to Africa annually and go on safaris or hike in the mountains. The experience is always great – from socializing with people of different cultures to watching animal wildlife in their natural habitat. The days I spend in Africa leave indelible memories in my mind and encourage me to save up to return and experience more.

The activities I mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg. I really like making the most out of my leisure breaks. All these experiences and memories push me to invest in rest.

I don’t know how you make use of your spare time, but I hope that you are using it well. It could simply be a matter of engaging in your hobbies, spending time with loved ones, soaking in nature, or even reading books. As long as it makes you feel happy and recharged by the time the next week rolls in, it is worth doing.

Different people have different kinds of preferences when it comes to maximizing their free time. There are so many activities to choose from – so there’s no excuse not to indulge in getaways for yourself.

Essay About A Leisure Time Activity

What do you do when you have so much free time that you can actually take extended time off?

I have had the blessing of enjoying a lot of free moments lately and it has given me the opportunity to get involved in the many things that give me joy. One of them is reading novels. I am a staunch fan of murder mysteries. I can never get enough breathers to go through them during a busy week at school, so my collection has been gathering dust at home. I have recently been able to finish two books each weekend, and I’m really enjoying it.

Another activity that I love doing is to write down my plans for the future. I don’t just mean plans for the next year. I like envisioning myself five or ten years from where I am and dreaming of what I’ll be able to accomplish by then.

Finally, I like playing games and indulging in recreational activities. Board games are a guilty pleasure for me. I recently rediscovered my love for classic Monopoly and word puzzles and have been challenging my family and friends for intense rematches on weekends.

What Are Popular Ways To Spend Leisure Time?

There are plenty of ways to wind down in your spare moments. There are those who get involved in competitive sports. Others want something more relaxing and simply hang out with family. More adventurous people travel to other parts of the world to experience and soak in another culture. Others write down their ideas. There are a rare few who spend days in the library looking to expand their knowledge on a certain topic or subject of interest. Then there are the more fun, casual, and popular group activities, such as karaoke, cocktails, hotel stays, and pampering trips.

Why Is Leisure Time Important?

Making space to relax and the wind is essential in making sure you can still excel in the other areas of your life. People say that rest is actually a life strategy. You don’t necessarily rest because you are lazy and don’t want to deal with your obligations. You get to rest for the ultimate good of those activities. It almost seems counterproductive, for example, to do a catnap the night before a heavy deadline. But ten minutes of sleep can actually re-energize your brain and refuel your creative juices so that you can power through the night and finish that requirement. Getting those breathers for yourself also protects you from burnout, which is a common ailment in today’s busy world where everything demands your time and attention. It gives you fresh starts, especially when you feel uninspired and stuck.

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• Extrem Physiol Med

The great outdoors: how a green exercise environment can benefit all

Valerie f gladwell.

1 School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK

Daniel K Brown

Gavin r sandercock, jo l barton.

The studies of human and environment interactions usually consider the extremes of environment on individuals or how humans affect the environment. It is well known that physical activity improves both physiological and psychological well-being, but further evidence is required to ascertain how different environments influence and shape health. This review considers the declining levels of physical activity, particularly in the Western world, and how the environment may help motivate and facilitate physical activity. It also addresses the additional physiological and mental health benefits that appear to occur when exercise is performed in an outdoor environment. However, people’s connectedness to nature appears to be changing and this has important implications as to how humans are now interacting with nature. Barriers exist, and it is important that these are considered when discussing how to make exercise in the outdoors accessible and beneficial for all. The synergistic combination of exercise and exposure to nature and thus the ‘great outdoors’ could be used as a powerful tool to help fight the growing incidence of both physical inactivity and non-communicable disease.

Most discussions of human interactions with the environment concern the potential challenges they place on one another. These usually concern the extreme environmental demands such as those seen at high altitude, at depth or in extremes of temperature. Alternatively, they express the growing human population’s ongoing tendency to negatively influence the delicate balance of nature, which developed for millions of years prior to our evolutionary invasion.

With the multiplicity of the ‘great outdoors’ including forests, seaside, countryside, parks, local green areas and even gardens, another conversation considers the role of environment in benefiting human health. Green or natural spaces have been considered to be advantageous for health for many years. For example, in the UK during the 19th century Industrial Revolution, wealthy philanthropists developed urban parks for the benefit of the public’s health, and hospital gardens were considered an important addition for their believed healing properties [ 1 , 2 ]. A study in the early 21st century has further supported this belief, demonstrating an association between improved health outcomes and amount of surrounding ‘green space’ [ 3 , 4 ]. Subsequently, how and why the great outdoors may elicit health benefits has become a focal point for research.

Our hunter-gatherer ancestors existed with the outdoor natural environment for thousands of years, and it is hypothesised that this provides present day humans with an innate affiliation with nature [ 5 ]. In addition, nature provides an environment that does not require our direct attention, giving nature restorative properties therefore allowing recovery from mental fatigue [ 6 ] and attention restoration [ 7 ]. Although in the Western world, less people are involved in the natural environment on a daily basis, in particular reduced numbers working on the land, many people seek out nature and undertake outdoor recreational activities. Currently, there is an increasing trend for people to undertake outdoor endurance challenges but, paradoxically, there is a greater proportion of the population with insufficient physical activity levels to meet current health guidelines [ 8 ]. Recent reviews indicate that exercising outdoors appears to be more beneficial to mental health over indoor activities [ 9 ] and furthermore, natural environments have a greater impact on psychological health especially when exercise is incorporated [ 10 ]. To describe this potential synergistic benefit to health that occurs when exercising whilst being exposed to nature, the term ‘green exercise’ was adopted in 2003 [ 11 ] and published through peer-review in 2005 [ 12 ].

Pretty et al. [ 11 ] demonstrated that green exercise can improve mental well-being and markers of physiological health. There is subsequent preliminary evidence at physiological [ 13 - 15 ], psychological [ 9 , 16 , 17 ], biochemical [ 18 ] and social levels [ 17 ], which suggests that green exercise might have a useful role in primary and secondary prevention of disease. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest a role for green exercise in rehabilitation programmes [ 17 ]. In addition, engaging sedentary individuals in green exercise could be an effective vehicle in driving behavioural change by improving adherence rates to exercise programmes [ 19 ]. There is still a need to investigate the mechanisms behind observed health benefits of the natural environment [ 9 , 10 ]. A greater understanding of how nature positively interacts with human socio-biology may be mutually beneficial to both health and the environment.

The focus of this paper is to identify literature regarding physiological changes which occur as a product of participating in green exercise. Additionally, the likely interaction between these physiological changes and the well-documented psychological alterations will be discussed with regard to their potential health benefits. Furthermore, the impact that the great outdoors may have on exercise adherence and motivation to exercise will be explored in the context of increasing physical activity levels. Therefore the aims of the review are the following:

1. Outline the declining physical activity levels in the Western world and how the ‘green’ environment may help to decrease perception of effort and improve motivation to increase physical activity levels

2. Discuss the impact of green exercise on physiological and psychological markers of health and whether these impacts are enhanced by the green environment

3. Explore the mechanisms that are attributed to green exercise for improvements to health and

4. Discuss the consequences of the disengagement with nature and its impact on health.

Declining physical activity levels

Worldwide, 31.1% of adults are physically inactive [ 20 ]. Some of the decline is attributed to technological advances through the agricultural and industrial revolutions, and more recently, digital revolution. The focus of much structured physical activity in the developed world has also shifted indoors to gymnasia, sports halls, and to within the home; proportionally less physical activity is undertaken outdoors. Due to rapid urbanisation and nearly half of the world’s population living in urban areas [ 21 ], less green space and quality green space is available in which undertake physical activity or sport.

Green spaces, physical activity and health

The decline in physical activity is resulting in huge increases in physical disability and disease [ 22 ] and a rising number of cases of mental ill-health [ 23 ]. It is essential, therefore, to find ways of engaging all individuals to improve health and prevent further increases in non-communicable diseases. The use of outdoor natural environments for physical activity and health is not new. For 99% of human history, not only we have lived off the land and sought nature for basic survival needs and health, but also for pleasure and physical activity. More recently climbers, hill-walkers, mountain bikers and endurance athletes have all enjoyed the great outdoors and green spaces. It may not only facilitate enjoyment for participants and improve adherence [ 19 ], but may also encourage positive physical activity behaviours which are likely to produce greater health gains. As we maybe still genetically designed to be hunter-gatherers in the great outdoors, we are not being stimulated physically or mentally in the same way and this may be detrimental to health. One hypothesis suggests that we are all born with an emotional affiliation for other living organisms, i.e. nature loving [ 5 ], which may mean as part of our genetic makeup we are innately predisposed to desire nature contact, and thus maybe green exercise should be used to facilitate physical activity to improve health.

Green exercise, perception of effort, motivation and behaviour change

Although green exercise is perceived to boost health and this can be used as a powerful extrinsic motivation for exercise, not everyone will be motivated by this. People are motivated to exercise for many different reasons [ 24 ]. Some are extrinsically driven by external factors including what others may think of them, whilst others are intrinsically driven, maybe due to the enjoyment or the excitement of the challenge. Others engage for health benefits, whereas some may take part for the social aspect. The promotion of the social and entertainment benefits of physical activity appear to be more successful than those promoting health benefits to persuade individuals to partake in physical activity [ 25 ]. Green exercise may help motivation to undertake physical activity by increasing enjoyment and escapism from everyday life, with both a social and entertainment value.

There is even some evidence to suggest that exercise may feel easier when performed in the natural environment. When allowed to self-select walking speed, participants tend actually to walk faster outdoors, compared to indoors. Paradoxically, they report a lower rating of perceived exertion [ 26 ].

When asked to reproduce a given level of perceived exertion indoors and outdoors, individuals tend to walk faster at a greater physiological effort (verified by heart rate and blood lactate), suggesting they perceive exercise to be less demanding when performed in the natural environment [ 27 ]. A recent paper by members of our research group [ 28 ] explored the impact of colour in a video which simulated cycling within a natural environment. Participants cycled for 5 min in three different conditions: an unedited video (predominantly showing green foliage), the same video but with a red filter, and the same video with no colour. Interestingly, despite the video images all being the same apart from the colour, the rate of perceived exertion was decreased in the normal image compared to the other two conditions. Furthermore, total positive mood was increased (as mentioned later in the green exercise and health section). This potentially provides support for the first time that ‘greenness’ is an important component of alterations that are seen. There were no differences in physiological markers, e.g. heart rate and oxygen consumption.

Perception of effort is highly complex, comprising multiple components [ 29 ]. Perception of effort during exercise comprises input from the brain and integration of information from the feed-forward centre. The latter, particularly, may be influenced by mood and anxiety. There is also feedback from the various different sensors within the body, including central receptors, e.g. baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and those within the muscles, e.g. metaboreceptors and mechanoreceptors. These provide physiological and biomechanical information. Input also arises from auditory and visual information. In addition, there will also be the input of cognitive factors like prior experience at a given effort and context of the exercise, e.g. is it training or competition? All of these are integrated pre-consciously and will determine what a participant perceives the effort of exercise to be.

In the case of green exercise, the inputs from the visual system, the feed-forward centre as well as cognitive input may be able to act as a distractive stimulus, reducing the perception of exertion. Indeed this has been suggested for other distractive stimuli e.g. music [ 30 ]. It is likely that promoting attention to an external pleasant and green environment reduces awareness of physiologic sensations and negative emotions, thus minimizing the perception of effort. As discussed, mood is enhanced and perception of effort appears to be reduced with greenness [ 28 ]. Further evidence is shown, with real and simulated nature, in comparison to other environments (built or indoor) the increasing cognitive components including mood [ 9 , 10 , 12 , 16 , 31 ]. This suggests that green exercise reduces perceived effort and allows individuals to work at higher workloads, which may help to increase the amount of physical activity undertaken and motivation to continue. However, there is a dearth of studies that have investigated whether physical activity levels (duration and frequency) are altered by the exercise environment.

The restorative properties of an environment appear to mediate the frequency of physical activity [ 19 ], but most studies focus simply on the relationship between percentage of green space (usually surrounding housing) and physical activity levels. While one European study reported that individuals living in a greener environment were three times more likely to be physically active with a 40% lower chance of being overweight or obese [ 32 ], other authors have reported no association between the quantity of immediate green space and self-reported levels of physical activity [ 33 , 34 ]. The limitation of the majority of studies is the paucity of information regarding participants’ actual use of local green space, the perceived quality or even access to green space. Access to green space has been shown to be important for mental health and is associated with longevity and decreased risk of mental illness in Japan [ 35 ], Scandinavia [ 36 ] and the Netherlands [ 37 ]. Access also improves perception of general health [ 38 , 39 ] and quality of life in ageing populations [ 40 ]. The quality of the green space may also be associated with health as the biodiversity (i.e. range of species of plants and animals that are present in the environment) enhances the psychological health benefits [ 41 ].

It appears that having access to green spaces may facilitate physical activity and thus drive behaviour change by decreasing perception of effort and increasing motivation. An increase in physical activity levels will have a direct impact on health parameters. However, would green exercise offer greater benefits in terms of other markers of health than urban or indoor exercise?

Green exercise and health

A systematic review of studies comparing indoor versus outdoor activity conducted in natural environment suggests that outdoor activity which is conducted in a natural or green environment causes greater feelings of revitalisation and positive engagement [ 9 ]. All types of green exercise activities also improve self-esteem and negative mood subscales, such as tension, anger and depression [ 42 , 43 ]. Interestingly, the first five minutes of green exercise appears to have the biggest impact on mood and self-esteem, suggesting an immediate psychological health benefit [ 16 ]. Participating in green exercise activities also affects physiological parameters which differ to the changes observed in matched activity in an urban environment [ 13 ]. There are, however, only a handful of studies that have been conducted to investigate physiological health markers [ 13 , 14 , 18 , 44 , 45 ]. Physiological outcomes have included heart rate, blood pressure and autonomic control (using heart rate variability) and endocrine markers including noradrenaline, adrenaline and cortisol (an objective measure of stress).

Post-exercise blood pressure returns to baseline values more quickly after exercising in front of rural scenes compared to urban settings [ 12 ]. Japanese studies monitoring the physiological effect of walking within real forest environments (Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing) reported similar findings. Significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure occurred following both viewing alone and walking in the forest environment when compared to the same activity in an urban environment distinctly lacking in any vegetation or plantation [ 13 , 46 , 47 ]. A reduction in sympathetic activation assessed by lowered urinary noradrenaline may have elicited these effects on blood pressure [ 46 ]. Early work by Ulrich [ 48 ] suggested exposure to nature-heightened arousal and attention capacity with observed increases in heart rate. However, viewing scenes of nature following exposure to a stressful video [ 49 ] later confirmed that increases in parasympathetic activity occur more synonymous with lowered heart rate. In addition, heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of autonomic function, increased following both viewing and walking in a forest environment [ 50 ]. High HRV suggests healthy autonomic nervous system function and is inversely correlated with cardiovascular disease risk. HRV gives an indication of the adaptability of the nervous system in responding to challenges experienced by an individual such as stress and exercise. Using HRV analysis, a study from Japan [ 47 ] showed a tendency for a higher HRV, reflective of parasympathetic activity, whilst participants sat outside within a forest environment. This effect has been repeated indoors in a controlled environment enabling viewing nature alone to be highlighted as a cause for increased parasympathetic activity [ 14 ] and decreased heart rate [ 45 ].

Increasing the level of psychological stress is detrimental to health, and with stress reportedly increasing [ 51 ], methods to help to cope with stress are required. Nature may be one such solution as it does also appear to reduce stress markers. Endocrine markers adrenaline, noradrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol, all fall after being within nature, suggesting that exposure to nature affects the two main stress systems, the sympatho-adrenal medullary and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis [ 13 , 52 ]. These studies suggest that exposure to forest environments is relaxing and has stress-reducing properties as observed by reductions in the physiological parameters of blood pressure, heart rate (accompanied by an increase in HRV) and endocrine markers. A further effect associated with the reduction in adrenaline is the improved immune function in the form of increased natural killer cell activity. Natural killer cell activity increased for up to 30 days after a three-day trip to a forest for males but only seven days for females [ 52 ]. This suggests that the interaction with nature does not have to be extreme to gain wide-ranging physiological health benefits.

Connectedness to nature

Parental physical activity behaviours influence not only children’s physical activity patterns but also their attitudes to physical activity and choice of exercise environment. If children engage less with nature, when they become parents their offspring may also be less likely to seek out nature. A cycle of unfamiliarity and disconnectedness is then likely to be passed from generation to generation. The human costs of this separation include attention difficulties and behavioural problems, higher rates of emotional and physical illness and diminished use of the senses [ 53 , 54 ].

Despite evidence suggesting that natural environments facilitate physical activity and provide health benefits [ 10 ], relatedness and/or connectedness to nature is declining in particular areas and parts of the world, especially in children and adolescents. This is primarily due to a lack of contact with nature, termed ‘the extinction of experience’ [ 55 ] or ‘nature deficit disorder’ [ 53 ]. The current generation of youth is largely restricted from accessing nature due to parental fears regarding strangers, traffic and criminal activity [ 56 - 58 ]. Only 10% of today’s generation of youth has regular access to nature, compared to the 40% of adults who did so when they were young [ 59 ]. Adolescents living in urbanised areas often perceive the countryside to be intimidating and are reluctant to visit if they have not experienced it as children. The amount of time spent outdoors does appear to be a positive correlate of physical activity in both children and adolescents [ 60 - 62 ]. Although small amounts of time are spent in green space in children, those who do tend to undertake higher intensity activity [ 63 ]. However, if generations become disengaged with nature and less importance is placed on the environment as a useful resource for health, the distance to travel to get to the green spaces will increase.

The purpose of this review was to identify and discuss how the great outdoors can benefit the general population. With declining physical activity levels in the developed world, initiatives to curb this downward trend are increasingly important. The great outdoors has been a crucial part of human evolution, and it is likely that this reaches into modern beliefs and attitudes towards nature, both conscious and unconscious [ 5 ]. There is evidence to suggest that participating in physical activity in a natural environment, or green exercise, might engage people in physical activity by increasing enjoyment of participation, offering social interaction and increased frequency of activity [ 19 ]. Interestingly, participating in green exercise activities alters the perception of effort. For those people engaging in green exercise, the nature element may help achieve a greater intensity of exercise without perception of effort changing. If a person perceives exercise to be easier, it has the potential to be more enjoyable. By reducing the perceived effort experienced during green exercise, a greater intensity may be achieved during the exercise whilst also maintaining adherence to and motivation for the activity. Taken all together, this should help to improve physical activity behaviour. Future studies need to explore the impact of the environment on perception of effort in greater depth, incorporating input from other senses. Furthermore, it needs to examine to what intensity of exercise nature may act as a distracter to perception of effort.

It has been the purpose of previous reviews to assess the role of nature from a health and well-being perspective. There is evidence linking the presence of surrounding green spaces to better physical and mental health. This evidence suggests that better health is impacted by the quality of green space, in particular, by levels of biodiversity. Further research should investigate the importance of biodiversity on health for the careful management of these areas to ensure the maximum benefit for health and for the environment. Considering both the quality of, and access to, green space, evidence for the impact on physical activity is conflicting. Many studies have not explored the use of more distant outdoor spaces for recreational use. The majority of studies use self-reported details of physical activity type, duration and intensity, which is subject to bias. Future studies should therefore use objective methods for assessing both physical activity and exercise environment. Accelerometry and Global Positioning System monitoring including Smartphones should enable this [ 63 ].

Engaging in physical activity outdoors provides opportunities linked to better health which is unavailable from indoor activity, such as exposure to sunlight for sufficient vitamin D levels. Additionally, outdoor activity shows greater improvements in mental health compared to indoor activity [ 9 ]. Building on the health benefits of outdoor activity, including exposure to nature during outdoor activity, has a synergistic impact on markers of mental well-being and physiological markers [ 10 ]. The study to date has identified changes in cardiovascular, endocrine and autonomic function which suggests a psychophysiological impact of nature and green exercise. However, little has been done to identify the mechanisms by which these changes are influenced by experiencing nature. Although seemingly counterintuitive for the purpose of research concerning the great outdoors, the use of controlled indoor environments is important for exploring the alteration of physiological parameters already observed. This will have important implications for using outdoor exercise for rehabilitation or prevention of disease, especially cardiovascular disease.

There are however, disadvantages and barriers to using the great outdoors. How the outdoor space is perceived influences usage. Although individual preferences differ, safety and opportunity for socialization are shown to be the key determinants for use of green spaces [ 64 ]. Ease of access, including transportation to the place of interest, suitable links between areas (i.e. footpaths not continuing without crossing/walking down busy roads/private land) all affect participation. Furthermore, socioeconomic status also alters local green space usage for physical activity. Higher socioeconomic status enhances park safety, maintenance, attractiveness and opportunity for socialization and is an important determinant of access to more remote nature (i.e. due to transport required to reach destination). Concerns for personal safety will motivate people to avoid perceived dangerous situations, and going outdoors in some areas does pose a threat. This is influencing parental choices, and there is a growing disconnection with outdoor activity and more specifically nature in the new generation of children. Also, neighbourhood crime safety, aesthetics, and traffic safety all influence participation levels. Safety concerns are also accentuated if the area is remote, where injuries or exposure to the outdoors for a prolonged period of time, especially in extremes of weather may occur. This is predominantly an issue for those individuals who are unprepared, not trained or not supervised correctly.

Conclusions

To summarise, outdoor natural environments may provide some of the best all-round health benefits by increasing physical activity levels with lower levels of perceived exertion, altering physiological functioning including stress reduction, restoring mental fatigue, and improving mood and self-esteem and perceived health. Thus, exercise within green spaces and the great outdoors may be a useful natural medicine ( vis medicatrix naturae ) [ 65 ] to address health challenges facing developed countries. Alongside the social aspect which some individuals crave, it may also increase enjoyment and adherence to bring about positive behaviour changes in a large proportion of the population.

The great outdoors, therefore, should not be just considered a playground for those who seek the thrills of extreme sports, but emphasis should be placed on access for all. One way of doing this is to ensure urban parks are maintained and are developed to produce interesting areas of high biodiversity, as well as more open play areas, where more sports may be played, increasing opportunities for exercise. Not only may both types of area elicit greater health benefits, but also may offer protection for the natural environment and preserve species. The management of countryside, forests and more extreme environments also needs careful consideration including ensuring access for all, but without the pressure of too many people visiting these areas, as this would potentially destroy the natural environment that elicits these health benefits. The challenge for researchers in this field is not only determining whether knowledge of nature’s health benefits can act as a motivator for behaviour change, but also ensuring that the increased use of ‘nature as a therapy’ is accompanied by a conservationist approach to ensure preservation of the environment. It is hoped that by more individuals partaking in green exercise and enjoying the great outdoors, they will retain their evolutionary connection with nature and act to become more protective of it.

Abbreviation

HRV: Heart rate variability.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

All authors helped plan, develop and write the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Exploring the Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Physical and Mental Health

In our fast-paced, digitally-driven society, taking a break to explore the great outdoors is not just a refreshing escape but also a vital practice for maintaining our physical and mental health. Whether it’s a tranquil hike through serene trails, an exhilarating bike ride down rugged paths, or a thrilling white-water rafting adventure, outdoor activities offer a plethora of health benefits and an opportunity to reconnect with nature.

The physical health benefits of outdoor activities

Engaging in outdoor activities can lead to profound physical health benefits. Here’s how getting outdoors can contribute to a healthier lifestyle:

• Cardiovascular health. Activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming work extensively on your cardiovascular system. Regular participation helps reduce the risk of heart diseases by improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure.
• Strengthening muscles and bones. Outdoor activities often involve various terrains and natural resistance, which can help build stronger muscles and bones. Activities like rock climbing and trail running enhance muscle strength, improve balance, and increase bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Boosting immunity and other health benefits. Being outside exposes you to a diverse range of microbes, which can bolster your immune system. Natural sunlight is also a critical source of Vitamin D, essential for bone health and metabolic function. Furthermore, engaging in regular physical activity helps to maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.

The mental health benefits of outdoor activities

The mental health benefits of outdoor activities are just as impressive as the physical ones. Nature not only soothes the mind but also enriches it.

• Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Natural settings have a unique ability to alter mood. A study from Stanford University found that spending time in natural landscapes decreases the neural activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, a brain area active during rumination, defined as repetitive thought focused on negative emotions.
• Enhancing mood and energy. Engaging in outdoor activities can increase serotonin levels, which helps to alleviate feelings of depression and boost overall mood. The natural light encountered outdoors influences body rhythms and sleep patterns, which can help improve energy levels and personal well-being.
• Improving Concentration and Creativity. Time spent outdoors can also enhance cognitive function. Nature walks and other outdoor activities can improve concentration and creativity. A break in the natural environment can refresh the mind and reset one’s focus.

Adventure awaits in the Welsh outdoors with Blue Ocean Activities

For those travelling through Wales or looking for a unique way to experience its lush landscapes and rugged terrain, Blue Ocean Activities offers an unforgettable adventure. Specialising in outdoor activities, they provide a range of options, from gorge walking and coasteering to canoeing and bushcraft.

• Discover the thrill of coasteering. Coasteering is a blend of land and sea traversal that includes swimming, climbing, cliff jumping, and scrambling. It’s not just an adrenaline rush; it’s a way to see and experience the Welsh coastline like never before.
• Canoeing and kayaking. Explore the scenic rivers and lakes of Wales by canoe or kayak. These activities not only provide a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors but also offer a full-body workout that enhances strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness.
• Gorge walking adventures. Experience the beauty of Welsh gorges with an exhilarating walk through waterfalls and rapids. It’s an adventure that combines the beauty of water landscapes with the thrill of navigating through challenging terrain.

The benefits of outdoor activities are boundless, offering enhancements to physical and mental health that few other exercises can match. For those planning to venture through the beautiful regions of Wales, Blue Ocean Activities provides a gateway to not just witness nature, but to live it. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious first-timer, the outdoors holds the key to a healthier, happier life.

Remember, every step taken outdoors is a step towards a healthier body and a clearer mind. So, lace up your shoes, pack your gear, and embark on a journey that heals, energises, and fulfils.

Julian Carter , a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.

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Outdoor play: why it’s important for students

Children produce more energy aerobically compared to adults. Children are able to maintain their high energy levels throughout the day without feeling fatigued as quickly as adults. Integrating outdoor breaks, such as recess or outdoor lunch, allows children to exert their energy in a healthy and manageable way. Outdoor time offers many cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits. While prioritizing outdoor time may be a challenge to some,  it’s important to emphasize and raise awareness of the importance of outdoor play and recess. 

Outdoor time offers many benefits to a child’s physical and mental health . In this post, we will discuss why outdoor play is necessary for a child’s development regardless of their age.

Recess improves social skills 

Outdoor time during school hours encourages children to interact with one another and work on socialization, a lifelong trait that will guide them through their life. Learning how to share, work together, and communicate clearly are best learned through continued practice. Kids learn numerous communication skills, like adaptation, problem-solving, and negotiation through outdoor play. 

Outdoors encourages creative thinking

Outdoor time boosts imaginative thinking and creativity –   children take an average of 15 minutes to decide what to play and who to play with. Through unstructured play, children are free to create their own worlds and have control over what narrative they choose, which is a fun break from their busy schoolwork. When exercising their creativity, they are able to broaden their views and  ways of thinking. Activities and free play during recess provide an opportunity to grow creatively, which directly impacts their classroom performance by improving their concentration and retention.   

Reduces stress and anxiety 

Stress is the reality of everyday life for most students. Luckily, unstructured play is the best means for reducing stress and anxiety during school hours. Nature provides a restorative environment and stimulates all senses, relieving a child from any built up emotions they may undergo. From hearing the birds chirp to seeing the trees or touching the grass, recess provides an open space for play with endless possibilities to get all energy out in a robust way. Because outside time reduces stress and other negative emotions , acknowledging opportunities for outdoor activities is not only beneficial to students, but to the teachers and staff as well. 

It boosts self esteem and encourages problem solving

Connecting with peers through imaginative play or mastering physical skills in the playground are opportunities for children to flourish. In an environment where a child is taking risks or experimenting with skills, their confidence is likely to boost as they feel comfortable enough to step out of their comfort zones. During recess, students often have to practice their problem-solving skills to compromise or settle disagreements with peers. It’s vital to allow them to resolve issues between themselves in order to build resilience.

Establishes healthy sleep cycles and mood stabilization  

Vitamin D from sunshine helps improve mood stabilization and healthy sleep cycles. The physical benefits the sun provides to children are many, one being that they are able to focus for longer periods of time without disruptions. Outdoor activity also supports both heart and brain function. There is no doubt that physical activity is healthy for a child’s development. Having a scheduled time during their 6+ hours of school gives children a period to exert their energy in a safe space.

Recess contributes to student success 

Prioritizing outdoor play is essential to a child’s development regardless of age. Encouraging children to take advantage of outside time will help them learn new physical skills, such as balancing or sliding, while also evolving their social skills and academic achievement. The combination of fresh air and sunshine are known to increase overall health and spirit. Whether it’s imaginative play or social play with fellow classmates, recess is crucial to their physical and mental health. The CDC recommends a minimum of 60 minutes a day of physical activity for children. Though physical education classes or recess may meet part of that need, it’s important to raise awareness of the value outdoor time offers.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel’s diverse, culturally competent providers specialize in the health challenges of children and teens and partner with parents and school staff to make the best care decisions for students. Hazel is committed to improving health care equity and is available regardless of family income, geography, insurance status, or ability to pay. Hazel’s mission is to transform children’s access to health care, because when students feel better, they learn better.

Learn more at hazel.co .

Hazel Health is the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of school-based telehealth. By partnering with districts and health plans across the country, Hazel transforms schools into the most accessible front door to pediatric healthcare. Today, Hazel’s licensed providers deliver teletherapy and virtual care (in school or at home) to over four million K-12 students, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Hazel aims to remove all barriers to the mental and physical health care that children need to thrive: in school, at home, and in life.

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel serves nearly 2 million students across 100 school districts, helping to reduce chronic absenteeism and unfinished learning by addressing gaps in health care access. As an extension of the school health team, Hazel helps schools immediately address student physical and mental health care needs. Hazel’s mission is to transform children’s access to health care because when students feel better, they learn better.

Learn more at Hazel.co/hazel-in-schools .

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel helps school districts address chronic absenteeism, unfinished learning, and school enrollment, by addressing gaps in health care access.

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts and families to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Instead of waiting for an appointment with a doctor or therapist, children can see a Hazel provider for a telehealth visit, at no cost to families. With guardian permission, Hazel’s telehealth platform allows children to connect with a health care provider within minutes, or a therapist within days of referral. Hazel’s providers can help with everything from allergies and stomach aches to anxiety and depression. With Hazel, children can get the care they need when they need it.

Learn more at Hazel.co/how-hazel-works .

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts and families to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. At no cost, and regardless of insurance status, Hazel’s providers can help with everything from allergies and stomach aches to anxiety and depression. With Hazel, children can get the care they need when they need it.

Request a Demo

Is hazel available in your district.

Find out if hazel is already available in your district here .

Related content

Physical, Social, Emotional and Intellectual Benefits of Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreation is enjoyable for men, women and children of all ages. Performing physical exercise while outdoors provides a way to get outside and enjoy your natural surroundings. Aside from breathing fresh air and discovering nature's many wonders, the outdoors provides various activities to keep you wanting to go back outside for more.

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The advantages of outdoor activities are endless and will help keep you and your family physically and mentally healthy.

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Read more: Why Spending More Time Outside Could Save Your Life

Outdoor Workouts and Fitness

Outdoor recreation provides a multitude of advantageous physical activities that may be performed in solitude, with several friends and family members, or with your local recreational sports team . Sports such as hiking, canoeing, swimming, racket and ball sports and numerous other physical activities give you more choices for enjoyable exercise, which is likely to keep you motivated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that adults perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of intense activity every week, ideally spread out over the course of the week rather than all at once.

Read more: What Are the Benefits of Morning Walking?

Social Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Adults and children alike can experience the social benefits of outdoor activities. Participating in sports and recreation provides everyone from young kids to seniors with an opportunity to meet and build relationships with others. Participating on a team will help you to form lasting friendships with people who share your passion for outdoor recreation.

Mental Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Harvard Health Publishing notes that physical activity helps reduce stress and prevents some cases of depression. Exercise reduces anxiety, and consistent activity provides more relief for anxiety and depression.

Better self-esteem often results from consistent recreation, partially due to a decrease in stress and to the overall feeling of well-being that occurs from regular aerobic exercise . Breathing fresh air in a natural, serene environment also helps many people to relax and reduce stress and anxiety, which is another advantage of outdoor activities.

A 2015 paper published in the journal _ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy _explained that exercise is a good treatment for mental health because it does not come with side effects, as medication can, and also does not carry the stigma that attending therapy or taking medication still does in many communities.

According to the paper's authors, exercise as a standalone treatment or augmenting other forms of mental health treatment can help people dealing with anxiety, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

While you should not attempt to treat serious mental illness on your own, if you are anxious or have a mental illness it may be worth speaking to your doctor about exercising as part of your recommended treatment plan.

Read more: How Exercise Improves Mood

Sleep Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Research shows that people who exercise regularly experience longer, deeper, more restful sleep . Better sleep results in more energy and alertness the following day, allowing better concentration and ability to think on higher levels.

Along with better rest and rejuvenation for your body during the night, regular physical activity that reduces stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression will help you to concentrate more during the day.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Physical Activity for Everyone: How Much Physical Activity Do Adults Need?"
• American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine: "The Bidirectional Relationship Between Exercise and Sleep: Implications for Exercise Adherence and Sleep Improvement"
• Harvard Health Publishing: "Exercising to Relax"
• Eastern Kentucky University: "Self-Esteem, Empowerment and Recreation: A Meta-Analysis of Outdoor Recreation on Adolescent Females"
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: "Exercise for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: The State-of-the Science"

Top 21 Benefits of Outdoor Activities [You Might Be Surprised]

Kevin Goodell

Table of Contents

Top 21 Benefits of Outdoor Activities

1. Break From Daily Routine: One of the best benefits of outdoor activities is to mix it up when it comes to your daily routine. Being outdoors is a great way to break from the monotony of your daily routine. Spending time outside can help refresh and rejuvenate you, so you can come back to your everyday tasks with a new perspective and renewed energy.

2. Connect With Nature: One of the best benefits of outdoor activities is that they give you a chance to connect with nature. When you’re out in the fresh air, surrounded by trees, plants, and wildlife, it can help you feel more connected to the natural world. This can lead to a greater appreciation for the environment and a desire to protect it.

In an article from “Exploring the connections between outdoor activities, nature connectedness, and well being” by Carling A. Matthews states that “An outdoor lifestyle takes people outdoors every day, facilitating consistent contact with nature and the well-being benefits that connecting with nature provides.”

LOOKING FOR MORE OUTDOOR GAMES?

Check out our article  Outdoor Games Guide

3. Get Some Exercise: Getting exercise is important for maintaining your health and outdoor activities are a great way to get moving. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or swimming, you’re sure to get your heart rate up and work up a sweat. And, since exercising outdoors can be more enjoyable than working out indoors, you’ll be more likely to stick with it. This is one of my favorite benefits of outdoor activities.

4. Spend Time With Friends and Family: Outdoor activities are also a great way to spend time with friends and family. Whether you’re playing a game of catch, going for a hike, or having a picnic, you’ll be able to enjoy quality time together.

5. Relieve Stress: Being outdoors can help reduce stress levels. When you’re surrounded by nature, it can be easier to relax and clear your mind. This can lead to improved mental well-being and a sense of calm.

6. Boost Your Mood: Outdoor activities can also boost your mood. Exposure to sunlight can help improve your overall mood and outlook on life. And, since being active outdoors can release endorphins, you’re likely to feel happier and more positive after spending time outside.

7. Improve Your Sleep: If you’re having trouble sleeping, spending time outdoors can help. The fresh air and natural light can help regulate your sleep cycle, so you’ll be able to get a better night’s rest. In our benefits of outdoor activities, this is critical for you.

8. Enhance Your Concentration: Being outdoors can also enhance your concentration. When you’re in an outdoor environment, you’re less likely to be distracted by technology and other indoor distractions. This can lead to improved focus and productivity.

9. Boost Your Energy Levels: Outdoor activities can also boost your energy levels. If you’re feeling tired or sluggish, spending time outside can help revive you. The fresh air and sunlight will help increase your alertness and energy levels.

10. Improve Your Overall Health: When you’re active outdoors, you’re also improving your overall health. Outdoor activities can help improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your bones and muscles, and boost your immune system. So, not only will you feel better, but you’ll also be healthier.

11. Vitamin D And Outdoor Actitivies: In an article written in Metabolic Meals , “4 Outdoor Exercises to Boost Vitamin D” states that Vitamin D is required for a number of activities within our bodies. We don’t obtain vitamin D through food as much as we do through sunlight exposure, and many people aren’t getting enough. Vitamin D is essential to your health, perhaps contributing to the development of cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Of all the benefits of outdoor activities, this is very easy to maintain.

Regular exercise outside, such as jogging or walking, can help you increase your vitamin D levels and decrease your risk of disease. You’ll also gain muscle strength, have more energy, lower stress, and sleep better as a result of this activity.

Just 10-15 minutes of sunlight a day can give you the needed dose of vitamin D.

12. Better Brain Function: A study published from the University of Michigan found that people who spent time in nature had better attention spans and memory recall than those who didn’t. The researchers believe that the increased activity in the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, is responsible for the benefits of outdoor activities.

13. Increased Creativity: According to the Greater Good Magazine , being in nature can also lead to increased creativity. The researchers found that people who took a walk in the park showed higher levels of creative thinking than those who didn’t.

14. Improved Memory: An article written by the American Psychological Association stated that time in nature can help improve your memory. The research showed that participants who took a nature walk had better performance on a memory test than those who walked in an urban environment.

15. Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: A study led by the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine investigated whether neighborhood greenery, such as trees, shrubs, or grass, is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, non-Alzheimer’s dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. The study — published online on April 1 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease — found that a greater presence of neighborhood greenness was associated with a lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease by 20% and non-Alzheimer’s disease by 11%.

16. Stress Relief: According to Stress.org , spending time in the great outdoors is a free and very effective way of releasing and managing stress. The website states that nature has a way of calming us and restoring our moods.

17. Better Mental Health Benefits of outdoor activities: According to Science Direct , a study investigates potential mental health benefits of outdoor and adventure activities. It is argued that experiences made in successful outdoor activities can increase self-efficacy, mindfulness and subjective well-being. Furthermore, outdoor activities may reduce feelings of time pressure and mental stress amongst participants.

18. Increased Happiness: According to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden , in an essay, “Stress reduction is caused by human-nature interaction within five minutes of being outside, according to studies.” Carolyn Schuyler, a Harvard graduate who is a licensed clinical social worker.

People who spend time in nature and outdoor activities are happier, less stressed, and have enhanced cognitive capabilities. It also aids in the recovery process by providing a positive reset as well as acting as a buffer once indoor tasks resume.

Their advice is for at least 120 minutes of nature-time each week. Even 20 seconds in the fresh air, known as a “green micro-break,” can help to relieve stress and tension.

19. Improved Body Self-Esteem: In an article by ABC Science , states that researchers from the University of Essex found that as little as five minutes of a “green activity” such as walking, gardening, cycling or farming can boost mood and self esteem.

20. Improved Cardiovascular Health And Lower Blood Pressure: According to the American Heart Association , being active outdoors can help improve your cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

21. Increased Life Satisfaction: People who spend time in nature are more satisfied with their lives and happier overall. The study’s authors suggest that nature may provide a “restorative environment” that can help reduce stress and promote positive emotions.

Conclusion to Benefits of Outdoor Activities

If you want to be healthy, then getting outside is truly the best way to do it. We’ve listed 21 benefits of outdoor activities that you can ponder during your journey to better health.

Thanks for reading. We’ve got plenty more articles to read just as good as this one.

Meet Kevin Goodell, your outdoor adventure coach! With a passion for nature ignited in childhood, Kevin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to simplify tough outdoor skills. As a U.S. Army veteran and former Sergeant, he has honed his leadership and teamwork abilities while developing a deep love for the great outdoors.

Kevin’s dedication to outdoor activities spans biking, birdwatching, national park trips, and archery/golf. With his friendly and approachable demeanor, he is committed to guiding individuals of all ages and skill levels towards unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Harnessing his extensive knowledge and personal achievements, Kevin is your go-to resource for learning and enjoying various outdoor pursuits. Whether you seek thrilling adventures or serene nature escapes, Kevin’s professional yet friendly approach will ensure an engaging and informative experience. Embark on your next outdoor adventure with Kevin Goodell and embrace the beauty of nature like never before.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Physical Exercise — The Importance of Sports and Outdoor Activities for Children’s Development

The Importance of Sports and Outdoor Activities for Children’s Development

• Categories: Childhood Development Children Physical Exercise

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Words: 1196 |

Published: May 7, 2019

Words: 1196 | Pages: 3 | 6 min read

Table of contents

Physical development, in retrospect, baseball and softball.

• Helps build physical strength.
• Improves hand to eye coordination.
• Teaches balance.
• Creates discipline.
• Build teamwork skills.
• Develop leadership skills.
• Cardiovascular endurance.
• Increases muscle strength.
• Improves flexibility and coordination skills.
• Brings balance and helps to control weight.
• Teaches to be disciplined and builds sense of teamwork.
• Leadership and fairness attributes.
• Boosts self-esteem.
• Helps to strengthen legs.
• Improves Balance.
• Physical fitness and exercise.
• Maintains weight control.
• Teaches discipline and self esteem.
• Sense of community.
• Helps with family bonding and gives a sense of freedom.
• Environmental awareness

Walking Works Too

• Helps bring balance.
• Great coordination.
• Leg strength and weight control.
• The feeling of freedom.
• Raises self-esteem.
• Creates an awareness for the environment along with family bonding.

Emotional Advancement

Social advancement, mental advancement.

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Spending Time in Nature for Your Health — How Outdoor Activities Improve Wellbeing

August 23, 2016 | Counseling and Psychology | South University

Many adults enjoy the serenity of spending time in nature as a way to escape the stress and craziness of everyday life. Not only can fresh air and natural scenery have a positive impact on adults, outdoor activities for children can also improve the overall quality of kids’ lives.

Dr. Susanne Preston, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling instructor at South University, Virginia Beach says being outside and spending time in nature is good for a person’s mental health, as it allows them to de-stress.

“The fresh air and sunlight have the largest benefits,” Preston says. “For example, with increased exposure to natural sunlight, incidents of seasonal affective disorder decrease. When individuals are exposed to natural sunlight, the vitamin D in their skin helps to elevate their moods.”

“Research has shown that spending time in nature has been associated with decreased levels of mental illness, with the strongest links to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, in addition to increased self esteem,” Preston says.

“Spending time outdoors is also linked to positive effects on physical health, most notably obesity,” she adds.

Preston recommends outdoor activities like taking walks around the park or neighborhood, yoga, and meditation as healthy, relaxing ways to get some fresh air.

Reasons to Spend Time in Nature

The July 2010 edition of the Harvard Health Letter lists five good reasons to get outdoors and spend time in nature:

• Your vitamin D levels rise.  Sunlight hitting the skin begins a process that leads to the creation and activation of vitamin D. Studies suggest that this vitamin helps fight certain conditions, from osteoporosis and cancer to depression and heart attacks. Limited sun exposure (don’t overdo it), supplemented with vitamin D pills if necessary, is a good regiment.
• You’ll get more exercise.  If you make getting outside a goal, that should mean less time in front of the television and computer and more time walking and doing other things that put the body in motion.
• You’ll be happier.  Light tends to elevate people’s mood, and there’s usually more light available outside than in. Physical activity has been shown to help people relax and cheer up, so if being outside replaces inactive pursuits with active ones, it might also mean more smiles.
• Your concentration will improve.  Children with ADHD seem to focus better after being outdoors. It might be a stretch to say that applies to adults, but if you have trouble concentrating, outdoor activity may help.
• You may heal faster.  In one study, people recovering from spinal surgery experienced less pain and stress and took fewer pain medications when they were exposed to natural light. An older study showed that the view out the window (trees vs. a brick wall) helped recovery in the hospital.

Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Children

Robyn Bjorrnson, executive assistant at the Children and Nature Network , says in general, children spend a lot less time outdoors than they used to.

She says this lack of time spent playing outside in the fresh air can be harmful to a child’s wellbeing.

“It damages physical and mental health, contributing to nature-deficit disorder, which is the term used to describe the human costs of alienation from nature.” 

Spending time in natural surroundings stimulates children’s creativity.

Bjorrnson says there are many positive health benefits associated with outdoor activities for children.

“Children who regularly experience nature play are healthier, happier, and test better in school,” Bjorrnson says. “Studies indicate that direct exposure to nature can relieve the symptoms of attention-deficit disorders, improve resistance to stress and depression, increase self-esteem, stimulate cognitive development and creativity, as well as reduce myopia and lower child obesity.”

Preston agrees that outdoor activities for children offer countless benefits for kids’ overall wellbeing.

“Spending time in natural surroundings stimulates children’s creativity,” Preston says. “Spending time outdoors also encourages children to actively play, which is good for them, rather than spend time focused on electronic media, television, and video games.”

Exploring nature is a great way for a family to spend time together and enjoy some healthy activities, Bjorrnson says.

“Hiking, walking, beach play, camping, birding, tree climbing, fishing, gardening, sailing, are just a few of the endless ways to enjoy nature,” Bjorrnson says. “And there are more ways in your own backyard or neighborhood.”

Though it can be challenging for parents to convince their children that spending time outdoors can be just as much fun as playing video games and watching television, Bjorrnson says it is important to make outdoor time a priority.

For parents looking for other families interested in outdoor activities for children, Bjorrnson suggests looking for a local Family Nature Club or downloading a toolkit from the Children and Nature Network to get started.

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