How the Outdoors Benefits Children’s Mental Health

The benefits of the outdoors on mental health Gordale Scar Malham — Gordale Scar, Malham

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week 2023.

Started by Mental Health Charity Place2Be, the week aims to raise awareness about the importance of children’s and young people’s mental health.

Did you know that 1 in 6 children and young people have a diagnosable mental health condition? (Source: Place2Be)

Did you also realise that absolutely massive impact being outdoors has on mental health? In particular on children’s mental health?

Now. I am no expert. In fact, I’m not really an expert in anything (apart from maybe eating chocolate…. or drinking gin) but I have read A LOT about the impact and benefits that the Great Outdoors has on kids.

And with it being #childrensmentalhealthweek, I thought I’d share what I’ve learned.

Space to Be

Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls. A quote by Erin K Kenny: The Cedarsong.

Is the phrase, ‘they’re literally bouncing off the walls!’ a familiar one to you? I mean it is to me. A so called ‘duvet day’ is about the least relaxing experience on the planet in my house. If the kids aren’t arguing over who has the most space on the sofa they’re trying to roller-skate in the living room (which by the way resembles the aftermath of a tornado)

Now. I know that getting outdoors has such a positive impact on the kids. Yes. I know.

But do the kids? Well, let’s just say we aren’t called The Reluctant Explorers for nothing. Oh No. Sometimes I question whether it’s worth the painful conversation which goes roughly along the lines of…

“Come on kids, we’re going out….”

“Nnnnnnnngggghhh” Or some other unintelligible noise that arises from the depths of the sofa…

And then follows the barrage of questions, all perfectly conveying the level of enthusiasm that the children are feeling about the prospect of being torn away from the TV screen… “How long will it be?” “Why do we HAVE to go out”, “Not another walk…” and all the other non-enthusiastic phrases they can muster.

But yes. We shall get out.

And why do I summon every inch of my stubborness in getting them out? SO. MANY. REASONS!

Studies have shown that getting out into the wide green spaces, giving kids room to run, scream, climb, clamber, swing, balance and jump helps not only the obvious, like providing a full body workout, but also helps develop creativity and imagination?

I mean have you even BEEN to the woods without a stick den being transformed into a 5 star restaurant? The outdoors provides an infinite number of possibilities to get those imaginations whirring in a less structured environment. (Source: Psychology Today)

The exercise not only helps with confidence and focus, being outdoors can also help reduce anxiety and stress levels too. (Source NHS Oxford)

But it’s not just the time to be wild and noisy, it’s the time to slow down and notice the little things, like watching the birds, or observing bugs and thinking about the impact we have on the environment around us.

So whilst they absolutely won’t admit it…… they actually have a pretty good time in that terrible place known as the Great Outdoors!

Get Muddy!

“The most memorable days end with the dirtiest clothes.” Quote by Kirsten Welch: That Works for Me

You know what?! It’ll wash.

I’ll admit that my relationship with mud had a rocky start. But with my two mucky pups, I’m afraid resistance is futile, it just has to be embraced! Mud, puddle splashing and everything else!

And you know what?! Embracing the mud, and getting stuck into playing with it has a range of benefits for children developmentally and in term of mental health!

Ever heard the wildest laughter that accompanies the biggest puddle splash? Or experienced the crazy giggles as muddy boots squelch?

Laughter really is the best medicine! Not only does it release endorphins (the happy hormone), it boosts mood, increases oxygen flow, can increase creativity and well maaaan does it feel good! (source: National Geographic)

Getting stuck into making mud pies, or mud faces is a fantastic sensory experience for little ones (as long as it doesn’t get into mouths obvs!) and helps build imagination, helps motor skills, and also has been found to boost the immune system.

So LOVE THE MUD and get splashing in those muddy puddles!

Discuss the weird and wonderful

Did you know that spending just 2 hours a week in nature is enough to provide a range of benefits? Source NHS

I have always found it remarkable at how the trivial bickering and niggling gripes melt away when my two are outdoors. I mean, I’m not going to lie, they don’t disappear completely, there’s always the odd disagreement about who’s got the biggest stick, or who’s turn it is to lead the way. But it’s BETTER! And the conversations, whilst crazy, are always better out on an adventure!

Exploring outdoors creates a distraction free environment to chat about the important life things. Like what would happen if your skin fell off and what armpits are for…. (these are genuine questions I have had to try and answer!.)

And whilst all those weird conversations are taking place, that bond is being strengthened, as they find out that you really have no idea why if you biff a shark on the nose it goes away, or that you really have no clue about whether Pluto is in fact a planet anymore….

Jumping effects of outdoors play on children — Jumping high!

And finally…

So ok, I’ve rambled quite a lot now about the positive impact being outside has on children both in terms of health and wellbeing.

Pretty passionate about it really, because I have experienced the benefits myself.

And I just want to finish with, sometimes it feels like a losing battle, but dig in those heels, it’s worth it!