April 9, 2018
Playing In Nature Really Does Keep Kids Happier
Kids are tuned to their smart phone screens, their iPads, their videogames. It seems like a long gone era when kids raced around outside for the afternoon, being called into dinner by a Mom yelling their names throughout the neighboring lawns. But this transformation from playing outside actually has negative health effects. A small but growing group of of healthcare professionals are trying to treat illnesses like depression and attention deficit disorder by prescribing more time in nature.
Significant research demonstrates that we spend too little time in the natural world and it has had grave effects on our mental and physical health. Study after study suggests that spending time outside reduces stress for children and adults.
Other studies have found that spending time in nature increases one’s attention span. And in an era when millions of children are being prescribed drugs for ADHD, it is worth noting that there might be ways to help them with fewer side effects. Like turning off the television and telling them to go play outside.
Craig Chalquist, the chair of the East-West Psychology Department at the California Institute of Integral Studies, surprisingly says, “If you hold moist soil for 20 minutes, the soil bacteria begins elevating your mood.
But, on the other hand, all that running around in soil and, on really happy days, in mud too can turn kids’ hair in a veritable spider’s web of tangles. How to suds their hair up while keeping them happy? Try MONAT’s Junior line – Junior Gentle Shampoo, Junior Gentle Conditioner and Junior Gentle Detangler. These products are mild and made especially to clean, condition and detangle kids’ fine hair, which is frailer than adults. The is tear-, sulfate-, and paraben-free, having been rigorously tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists. The line also does not contain any unfriendly chemicals, making it perfect for those little toddlers in the tub.
So let your kids run around and play outside. It’s not only good for them but when they come back in, they’ll have fun in the tub with Lovely Locks Lion, Really Shiny Raccoon and Magic Mane Mammoth!
Cohen, D. Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature https://childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/
Novotney, A. Getting back to the great outdoors. March 2008. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/03/outdoors.aspx
Rodriguez, T., MA, LPC. The Mental Health Benefits of Nature Exposure. Psychiatry Advisor. https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/mood-disorders/nature-cognitive-anxiety-depression-mood/article/448018/
