Modern society is obsessed with technology, smartphones, and video games. Many young children are even addicted to these devices, spending hours upon hours glued to the screen.

As a result, they miss out on the benefits of nature-based play, which is essential for the proper development of their mental health. Nature-based play is a child-directed play in open natural spaces that includes natural materials.

The Benefits of Nature-Based Play

Nature-based play provides numerous benefits for children’s mental health, such as:.

Stress Reduction

Nature-based play can help reduce stress and anxiety in children. Being in a natural environment can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase endorphins, the happy hormones.

Children can feel a sense of calmness and relaxation when spending time in green spaces, which helps reduce their anxiety levels.

Improved Cognitive Development

Nature based play can help with a child’s cognitive development. When children are given the freedom to explore their natural surroundings, they are more likely to develop their creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills.

They are also more likely to have a better understanding of scientific concepts, such as the water cycle, the growth of plants and animals, and the ecological systems that surround them.

Increased Physical Activity

Nature-based play can help increase a child’s physical activity level. Children can run, climb, and jump through natural spaces, which helps them get the exercise they need for healthy growth and development.

Improved Socialization

Nature-based play can help children’s socialization skills by giving them the opportunity to play with others in a natural setting.

It helps children to develop empathy, cooperation, and communication skills, which are essential for building strong relationships with their peers.

Increase in Vitamin D

Nature-based play leads to an increase in Vitamin D levels in children. Vitamin D helps strengthen the bones and boost the immune system, which keeps children healthy and happy.

Decrease in ADHD Symptoms

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that children diagnosed with ADHD experienced improvement in their symptoms after spending time playing in natural environments.

Promoting a Lifelong Appreciation for Nature

Nature-based play can instill a lifelong appreciation for nature in children. When children are exposed to natural settings regularly, they are more likely to develop a sense of respect for the environment and a desire to protect it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nature-based play is essential for children’s mental and physical well-being.

It provides numerous benefits, such as stress reduction, improved cognitive development, increased physical activity, improved socialization, and a lifelong appreciation for nature. As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we need to encourage children to explore nature and spend more time playing in natural environments.