Physical health
- A & D Barrable discuss the connection between outdoor time and better eyesight. They review a study that was presented at the American Academy of Opthamologists that concludes that "children who spend more time outside tend to have better eyesight. [...] for every hour that children spend outdoors per week, their risk of developing myopia (near-sightedness) drops by about 2 per cent." (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 16-18).
- A & D Barrable also discuss the physical benefits of receiving more vitamin D intake when spending time outdoors. There is research that is "uncovering the far-reaching effects that vitamin D has for our body". These include things like muscle strength, heart health, offsetting type 1 diabetes, fighting and preventing cancer, and even curing the common cold. (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 18-21).
- In Growing up Wild they also discuss "the hygiene hypothesis" which is the idea that dirt is good, and exposure to microbes, dust, and other allergens in early childhood can help to develop a healthy immune system (David Strachan 1990 first formulated this idea). (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 21-24).
- In Growing up Wild they also mention how spending more time outdoors can help children sleep better at night. The increased physical activity from being outdoors and increased exposure to natural light that helps with naturally setting our diurnal clocks. Better sleep can contribute to optimal growth patterns, better performance at school, stable moods, weight regulation, and improvement in mental health. (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 24-26).
- Akeson McGurk shares how she finds that there is surprisingly little research done on the benefits of outdoor napping. She found a Finnish study that confirmed that children take better naps while outside - but why? She goes on the share that the general impression is because of the fresh air. She shares a perspective from Dr. Roland Sennerstam, a pediatric specialist in Sweden, who shares that "It's a misconception that cold temperatures make us sick. We get sick because we contract viruses and bacteria when we spend too much time inside, stand too close to each other on the subway, and so on." (Akeson McGurk, 2017, p. 23)
- A & D Barrable also discuss the physical benefits of receiving more vitamin D intake when spending time outdoors. There is research that is "uncovering the far-reaching effects that vitamin D has for our body". These include things like muscle strength, heart health, offsetting type 1 diabetes, fighting and preventing cancer, and even curing the common cold. (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 18-21).
- In Growing up Wild they also discuss "the hygiene hypothesis" which is the idea that dirt is good, and exposure to microbes, dust, and other allergens in early childhood can help to develop a healthy immune system (David Strachan 1990 first formulated this idea). (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 21-24).
- In Growing up Wild they also mention how spending more time outdoors can help children sleep better at night. The increased physical activity from being outdoors and increased exposure to natural light that helps with naturally setting our diurnal clocks. Better sleep can contribute to optimal growth patterns, better performance at school, stable moods, weight regulation, and improvement in mental health. (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 24-26).
- Akeson McGurk shares how she finds that there is surprisingly little research done on the benefits of outdoor napping. She found a Finnish study that confirmed that children take better naps while outside - but why? She goes on the share that the general impression is because of the fresh air. She shares a perspective from Dr. Roland Sennerstam, a pediatric specialist in Sweden, who shares that "It's a misconception that cold temperatures make us sick. We get sick because we contract viruses and bacteria when we spend too much time inside, stand too close to each other on the subway, and so on." (Akeson McGurk, 2017, p. 23)
mental health
- A & D Barrable dive into the well known fact that most of us are just generally happier outdoors. They examine a study by George MacKerron and Susan Mourato which tracks happiness levels with GPS technology. This study confirms that people are happiest when outdoors in green spaces, significantly more than in urban spaces. This study also revealed that we are happiest when we are near the sea (regardless of weather, company, or activity). They identify three theories to explain this effect. The first is a term called biophilia, that suggests we have evolved as a species to have a natural bond with nature and al things in it. The second is that natural environments (compared to urban) have less negatives. Negatives like pollution, noise, traffic dangers, and the hustle and bustle of constant movement in the city. Chronic exposure to these negatives can affect us emotionally by raising stress levels and affecting our happiness levels. The third theory is that being outdoors is linked to other positive behaviours like exercise, fun activities, and more positive social interactions. (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 1-5).
- Richard Louv also discusses the phenomenon of biophilia and the benefits on mental health. Louv argues that children are being increasingly prescribed prescription drugs (many of which were historically not approved for minors) and that nature as an alternative, additional or preventative therapy is being overlooked. Louv warns that this trend of prescribing medications rather than seeking out some of the more natural holistic benefits that come from spending time outdoors is a dangerous trend that we need to be wary of. He does not discredit the benefits of modern medication for children who are diagnosed with ADHD or similar conditions, but does argue that nature should be added in as a supportive strategy to support these children. (Louv, 2013, pp. 47 - 50).
- In Growing up Wild they also share how exposure to natural environments can be a prescription for fatigue. They also show studies that identify a specific link between outdoor environments and ADHD. Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have demonstrated milder symptoms when playing in green play areas. (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 6-8)
- In There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather, Akeson-McGurk also shares how "outdoor play can combat childhood obesity as well as sensory issues and myopia, and many studies have shown that spending time in nature improves ADHD symptoms." (Akeson McGurk, 2017, p. 23).
- Most importantly, A & D Barrable share how the increased exposure to natural light positively impacts our mental health. They see an increased rate of production of serotonin that rises rapidly with increased luminosity - suggesting that more light equals a better mood. (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 9-12).
- Richard Louv shares his understanding that therapeutic and restorative effects that natural landscapes have is an ancient concept that has filtered down over thousands of years. Chinese Taoists believed gardens and greenhouses were beneficial to our health over two thousand years ago. Louv also shares research from american mental-health pioneer Dr. Benjamin Rush who wrote that "digging in the soil has a curative effect on the mentally ill. (Louv, 2013, pp. 45-47)
- Richard Louv also discusses the phenomenon of biophilia and the benefits on mental health. Louv argues that children are being increasingly prescribed prescription drugs (many of which were historically not approved for minors) and that nature as an alternative, additional or preventative therapy is being overlooked. Louv warns that this trend of prescribing medications rather than seeking out some of the more natural holistic benefits that come from spending time outdoors is a dangerous trend that we need to be wary of. He does not discredit the benefits of modern medication for children who are diagnosed with ADHD or similar conditions, but does argue that nature should be added in as a supportive strategy to support these children. (Louv, 2013, pp. 47 - 50).
- In Growing up Wild they also share how exposure to natural environments can be a prescription for fatigue. They also show studies that identify a specific link between outdoor environments and ADHD. Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have demonstrated milder symptoms when playing in green play areas. (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 6-8)
- In There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather, Akeson-McGurk also shares how "outdoor play can combat childhood obesity as well as sensory issues and myopia, and many studies have shown that spending time in nature improves ADHD symptoms." (Akeson McGurk, 2017, p. 23).
- Most importantly, A & D Barrable share how the increased exposure to natural light positively impacts our mental health. They see an increased rate of production of serotonin that rises rapidly with increased luminosity - suggesting that more light equals a better mood. (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 9-12).
- Richard Louv shares his understanding that therapeutic and restorative effects that natural landscapes have is an ancient concept that has filtered down over thousands of years. Chinese Taoists believed gardens and greenhouses were beneficial to our health over two thousand years ago. Louv also shares research from american mental-health pioneer Dr. Benjamin Rush who wrote that "digging in the soil has a curative effect on the mentally ill. (Louv, 2013, pp. 45-47)
academics
- Akeson McGurk shares her experience with her own daughter's education in Sweden and explains how there is a focus on integrating movement, physical activity, and time outside into their traditional academic lessons. In the woods, children learn while moving around for all of their subjects. The teacher in charge of the school's environmental education believes that "nature makes subjects like math and physics come alive in a way they never will in a classroom. [...] There really isn't anything you can do inside that you can't do outside." The author shares how her daughter's school observes how students have more success in their academic achievement, which is partnered with more effective learning strategies, less prevalent rates of ADHD and happier students who are excited to go to school every day. (Akeson McGurk, 2017, p. 59-69).
- Akeson McGurk also shares how her daughters school in Sweden is required to provide an environmental education, but how having the integration with an outdoor education has provided a context in which children are really excited to get to learn about nature and work with it since they see themselves as an important piece of "nature". (Akeson McGurk, 2017, p. 109-128).
- Akeson McGurk also shares how her daughters school in Sweden is required to provide an environmental education, but how having the integration with an outdoor education has provided a context in which children are really excited to get to learn about nature and work with it since they see themselves as an important piece of "nature". (Akeson McGurk, 2017, p. 109-128).
social skills
- A & D Barrable discuss the idea of risky play and how outdoor risky play can provide opportunity for children to complete challenges, test limits, and explore boundaries in a healthy way. Children experience a whole host of emotions like thrill, exhilaration, freedom, and fear when engaged in risky outdoor play, which can transfer into their lives in many ways. Children learning how to experience fear and test their boundaries can learn to control fear and understand the boundaries. Children learn self-regulation skills and can better make decisions for themselves. Children can better learn resilience by having opportunities to fail and try again. The impact of being taken out of their comfort zone while playing outdoors is a good lesson for children in being able to survive and be successful without our day-to-day creature comforts. (Barrable & Barrable, 2017, pp. 27-38).
References
Akeson McGurk, L. (2017). There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather. New York: Touchstonr.
Barrable, A., & Barrable, D. (2017). Growing Up Wild: 30 Great Ways to Get Your Kids Outdoors. London: Robinson.
Louv, R. (2013). Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. London: Atlantic Books.
Barrable, A., & Barrable, D. (2017). Growing Up Wild: 30 Great Ways to Get Your Kids Outdoors. London: Robinson.
Louv, R. (2013). Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. London: Atlantic Books.