Studies reveal that just 6 minutes in nature can significantly boost serotonin levels and improve mental health. As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, the team at We Are Adventurers is sharing ten ways that time spent outdoors will support your child’s mental health.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety
- Nature helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), promoting relaxation and a sense of calm, which can reduce feelings of anxiety.
- Improves Mood and Emotional Well-Being
- Spending time outdoors boosts serotonin levels, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone, which can lead to improved mood and emotional balance.
- Enhances Focus and Cognitive Function
- Time spent in nature has been shown to improve concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills, which can help children focus better in school and daily activities.
- Boosts Creativity and Imagination
- Nature provides an open, unstructured environment that encourages children to use their imagination, boosting creativity and critical thinking.
- Builds Resilience
- Outdoor play and challenges help children develop resilience by facing natural obstacles and learning to overcome them, which builds confidence and emotional strength.
- Supports Social Skills Development
- Nature often involves group play, which encourages teamwork, cooperation, and communication, helping children develop essential social skills.
- Promotes Better Sleep
- Time in natural light during the day helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to better sleep patterns, which in turn supports emotional and cognitive health.
- Reduces Symptoms of ADHD
- Nature has been shown to have a calming effect on children with ADHD, improving attention span and reducing impulsive behaviour.
- Encourages Self-Esteem and Independence
- When children engage in outdoor play or activities, they are often challenged to solve problems or explore on their own, which can build self-esteem and a sense of independence.
- Improves Mental Clarity and Stress Recovery
- Nature provides a restorative effect, allowing children to “reset” emotionally and mentally.
We Are Adventurers is dedicated to offering outdoor learning experiences for children around Manchester, to foster a love for nature that enhances their mental health and overall well-being.
By providing outdoor learning experiences through schools, birthday parties, and holiday clubs, children are offered a variety of ways to connect with nature.
Learn more:
To find out more about Children’s Mental Health Week visit Place2Be.
Want to learn more about outdoor adventures for children? Visit our website at We Are Adventurers.
