Audience: Elementary and Middle School Students
Playing outside can benefit communication skills and physical health. Photo by Artem Kniaz on Unsplash.
In a world dominated by screens and technology, the simple act of stepping outside has become more important than ever. Beyond the joy of feeling the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, the benefits of playing outside go far deeper, affecting physical, mental, and emotional health in ways you may never have thought of. From making your brain and body stronger to boosting your mood, the rewards of nature's playground are as abundant as the plants and animals that it contains. So, lace up your sneakers, leave the devices behind, and join us on a journey to rediscover the benefits of embracing the world outside our walls.
Although you may not notice it, one of the best benefits of being outside comes from the environment around you. Unlike a lot of other vitamins, Vitamin D rarely occurs in your food; almost all of your Vitamin D intake comes from the sun. Sunlight alone gives you 90% of the Vitamin D you need for the day, helping build strong bones and keeping your mood steady. Sun exposure also affects your immune system through healthy sleep. Your sleep cycle is regulated by a chemical called melatonin, which tells your body when it’s time to go to bed. Melatonin is produced by melanin, another chemical in your body, which you get from exposure to the sun.
Playing outdoors is a way for kids of all ages to be physically active. Activities such as running and chasing can help develop dexterity and fine motor skills, which are used in everyday life in tasks like writing and eating. Other activities, such as running and jumping, can help develop bone density, making your bones stronger and less likely to break. Climbing can also help develop coordination, balance and strength. Spending time outdoors is also associated with a lower risk of myopia, or nearsightedness, which makes items farther away from you blurry and harder to see. For instance, this could affect how well you’re able to read something your teacher has written on a whiteboard. Later in life, it may even affect how well you’re able to drive.
The benefits get even better when you’re playing with other kids. Collaborative games can help teach cooperation and sharing skills, as well as how to treat other people. These skills come into play every day of your life, whether you’re playing with a sibling or asking a teacher for help. Spending time with other children helps boost your creativity and problem solving skills; it teaches you how to entertain yourself when you’re bored, making up your own games and problem-solving. Playing outside is naturally calming, and can help you avoid the effects of being too overwhelmed by daily life. Having this time to reset can help your concentration and thinking.
Stepping into nature isn’t just about escaping the screens and embracing the sun, it’s a journey towards a healthier and happier you. You’re not just running, jumping, and playing; you’re building strength in your bones and regulating your sleep for a more balanced mood. The benefits go beyond the physical, too. When you play with other kids, you're not just having fun; you're learning cooperation, sharing, and problem-solving– skills that will guide you through the twists and turns of everyday life. It’s not just about lacing up your sneakers and leaving the devices behind; it’s about unlocking a world of possibilities that nature has in store for you. From sharpening your coordination and balance to boosting creativity and problem-solving, the great outdoors is your ultimate playground for growth. Lace up, step out, and let the adventure begin– the world outside our walls is waiting for you!
Bibliography:
UC Davis Health. "3 Ways Getting Outside into Nature Helps Improve Your Health." Cultivating Health, 2023, https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/3-ways-getting-outside-into-nature-helps-improve-your-health/2023/05.
Northern Ireland Direct. "Playing outdoors." nidirect, https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/playing-outdoors.
Harvard Health Publishing. "6 Reasons Children Need to Play Outside." Harvard Health Blog, 22 May 2018, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/6-reasons-children-need-to-play-outside-2018052213880.
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