Outdoor Play and You!
By: Summer Stafford, Community Wellness agent
“Go play outside!” We’ve all heard it before… but is there possibly more to it than just sending kids outside for a chance at some peace and quiet for their parents? Yes, in fact, there is!
According to miracle-recreation.com, on average, today’s kids spend seven hours a day staring at electronics like phones, laptops, tablets and television. Evidence demonstrates that kids today tend to swap active outdoor recreation for more sedentary activities, often to the detriment of their health and quality of life.
Healthline.com states that; according to a 2019 studyTrusted Source that included data from 19,806 participants, spending at least 120 minutesTrusted Source in nature per week can significantly boost health and well-being. You can go for a 2-hour chunk all at once, or break it up into smaller daily segments — the benefits still hold.
So, what can we say about the connection between outdoor play and our overall health?
- Helps gain and improve upon advanced motor skills
- Increases Vitamin D levels
- Lowers body mass
- Improves muscle strength
- Boosts immune system
- Improvs mood
- Fosters independence
- Increase physical and mental toughness
- Grows positive peer-to-peer relationships
- Creates greater self-awareness
- Cultivates an appreciation for the environment
- Increases intellectual development benefits of outdoor play such as the use of all the senses and additional brain development.
So, next time you can get outside and move, think of it to improve your overall health. Our local parks, hiking, biking, and walking trails, sports fields and tracks and any events offered by local recreation departments and local groups are all great ways to get yourself outside and move more! For more tips, tricks, and movement opportunities, call our local extension office 620-624-5604!
