Children nowadays can easily access computers and game controllers. As a result, they are spending more time indoors and less time playing outdoors. In an US study reported in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, researchers revealed that almost half of pre-school kids were not spending sufficient time outdoors. However, the benefits of regular outdoor activities cannot be ignored. It is not a luxury that children can enjoy only on weekends or during vacations. Regular outdoor play is essential for the physical and emotional wellbeing of a child.
Benefits of outdoor play
Physical fitness A large number of today’s kids are overweight and obese. Childhood obesity is largely an outcome of insufficient physical activities. The average child nowadays spends more time indoors watching TV or playing computer and video games. To make matters worse for kids accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle, their diet has shifted from nutritious meals to calorie dense carbohydrate rich snacks and desserts. However, they are burning fewer calories, resulting in imbalance in calorie consumption and calorie expenditure. Hence, childhood obesity has emerged as a major health hazard for kids.
To lose weight, children should exercise. Workouts for children are not same as that for adults. For children, physical activity means playing outdoors, running around, exploring the playground, climbing, jumping and swinging. These simple unstructured activities are the finest aerobic exercises that naturally boost the metabolism rate of children. By playing outdoors daily, your child can maintain his/her normal body weight naturally. Moreover, physically active children are always more energetic. Their high fitness level is beneficial for the immune system. A healthy child can resist infections and a healthy immune system can fight infections easily. In addition, outdoor activities are good for the vision of the child. Playing in the greenery and enjoying the view of the surrounding landscape, helps to strengthen the distance vision of children, and reduces the risk of developing nearsightedness.
Improves mental health Playing outdoors is a part of environmental education. Children get the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time with nature. Exposure to nature is beneficial for the emotional health of the child. Children who play outdoors with other kids are less likely to be stressed. Even children suffering from ADHD can benefit by playing outdoors. Interacting with other kids and sharing outdoor toys with them, will make your child a better human being. Your child will become a better learner and a good listener.
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