5 Health Benefits of Letting Your Kids Spend Time Outdoors

There are countless benefits to letting your kids spend time outdoors. From improving their physical health to boosting their mood and creativity, there are so many reasons why kids need to get outside and play.

Here are a few health benefits of letting your kids spend time outdoors.

1. Better Sleep Quality

It's no secret that children need plenty of sleep to grow and develop properly. Most experts recommend that school-aged children get between 9 and 11 hours of sleep each night. However, many kids don't get enough sleep, so they may suffer from several health problems.

One of the best ways to ensure that children get the sleep they need is to make sure they spend time outdoors. For one, being in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep. Additionally, sunlight can help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

2. Increased Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for children's bone health, and recent research has shown that it can also help reduce the risk of developing respiratory infections. The body produces it in response to exposure to sunlight, and it is also found in certain foods, such as fatty fish, eggs and fortified milk. Many children do not get enough vitamin D from diet alone, and spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to increase their intake.

3. More Physical Activity

One of the most well-known benefits of time spent outdoors is increased physical activity levels. This is especially important for children, who are often more sedentary than adults. According to a review of the literature, time spent in nature can lead to a significant increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels in children.

4. Better Mental Health

Time spent outdoors can also lead to improved mental health in children. One study found that time spent in nature was associated with increased self-esteem and self-reported happiness in children. Other studies have found that time spent in nature can reduce levels of stress and anxiety and can even lead to increased attention spans in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Also, time spent outdoors can also lead to increased social interactions in children. One study found that time spent in nature was associated with increased levels of social interactions, including cooperative play and helping behaviour. Other studies have found that time spent in nature can reduce aggression and antisocial behaviour in children.

5. Improved Cognition

There are several possible explanations for why spending time outdoors can have such a positive impact on children’s cognitive development.

One possibility is that being in nature provides a distraction-free environment that allows children to focus more easily on tasks. Another reason is that the physical activity often comes with spending time outdoors can help to improve brain function.

Final Thoughts

Whatever the approach, it is clear that spending time outdoors can positively impact children’s health and development. This is another reason to ensure that children have regular opportunities to play and explore in the great outdoors.

If you’re looking for a way to entice your children with outdoor activities, check out Wild Life Outdoor Adventures. Our outdoor adventure kits for kids will keep them entertained while staying happy and healthy. Check them out and buy them now!