Young children need to participate in outdoor activities

Children are now raised in a completely different environment from their parents. The popularity of iPod, iPad, and smartphone has completely changed the way children grow and develop. Society has alarmed that many children do not have normal childhood playing as in the old days. How does this affect the child's development? Please join aFamilyToday Health to follow the sharing below.

This year, 14-year-old Tuan and his parents are very worried when their child shows signs of depression. Therefore, they brought Tuan to the doctor for examination and treatment. During the treatment, the doctor discovered that Tuan was having trouble sleeping, was often tired, had difficulty concentrating and was often anxious or impatient at very simple things.

Tuan's symptoms were relatively mild, so the doctor advised both parents and the boy to change the current lifestyle for treatment, if not effective, then use the medicine. So what was wrong in the boy's living habits?

When asked how much time he or she spends a week participating in outdoor activities, breathing fresh air and exposure to sunlight, the boy's response was less than 2 hours. Tuan shared that it was about the time he moved from the school gate to his mother's parking lot. And this is a serious problem.

After understanding this, the doctor advised Tuan's parents to take the boy out to play more, such as going to the play area on weekends or exercising in the park ...

Humans are always attached to nature, which is the best environment for the brain to find balance and feel healthy. However, modern society with the development of technology has made people, especially children, completely separated from nature. This greatly affects the child's brain development.

It can be said that allowing children to participate in many outdoor activities is the most natural and effective treatment for children with depressive symptoms like Tuan.

Why should children be closer to nature?

Improve sleep

Exposure to sunlight every day will help children stay awake during the day and at night, and they will be more likely to fall asleep. This is a common way to treat sleep problems. Exposure to sunlight also helps regulate the body's circadian rhythms.

Helps the body to be full of energy, rich in vitality

Normally, people will feel richer when they are in harmony with nature. When in contact with nature, people will feel full of energy and extremely happy. In addition, outdoor sports activities such as climbing, jumping, and running also stimulate flexibility and muscle growth. Participating in outdoor activities is the most natural anti-depressant because it helps the body release the hormone endorphins (a hormone that always helps people feel happy, love life).

Reduce stress and reduce negative emotions

Just by looking at a beautiful natural scenery, parts of the brain activate everything related to balance and happiness. One study found that people who normally work on country roads are more productive than those traveling on busy roads in a big city.

Increase your ability to focus and pay attention

The brain often feels relaxed when you are exposed to natural landscapes. That means the brain is now entering a state of recovery or renewal. Meanwhile, urban landscapes with cramped roads and crowded vehicles will cause the brain to enter a state of distraction. Children who regularly participate in heavenly activities tend to have better creativity, problem solving skills, cooperation skills and self-awareness than other children. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also often focus better after participating in outdoor activities.

Reduce depressive symptoms

Children with mild to moderate depression, regularly participating in outdoor activities, the symptoms will decrease after 12 weeks. There are many natural remedies for depression like sunlight and "negative ions" - many near waterfalls and rivers.

One study has shown that breathing negative ions for one hour reduces the amount of lactate in the blood by 33%, increasing the body's energy.

In addition, problems with allergies or autoimmune disorders are also often associated with less exposure to healthy bacteria found in the natural environment. In addition, less participation in outdoor activities can also make children more susceptible to obesity, heart disease and cancer . The human body always exists an invisible link with nature. And it is nature that makes our bodies healthier.