Benefits of connecting with nature in childhood
REDUCES THE RISK OF DEVELOPING MENTAL DISORDERS IN ADULTHOOD BY 55%.
We live in a world where rushing, traffic and stress take over us every day, not to mention the technological devices that seem to possess us. Our children learn from everything, so it is important to take a break and enjoy the most valuable thing we have to fill us with energy and recover our health. Recent studies have shown that being in contact with nature can benefit children’s physical, psychological and social development.
A SENSE OF FREEDOM
Free play invites them to explore and awaken creativity, playing among trees, plants, animals and earth stimulates the senses by being in contact with aromas, textures, sounds and visualising their environment, including the sense of taste when tasting flowers or animal products such as honey. It can give the child a sense of freedom, which favours learning and also helps to raise awareness about caring for the environment.
Reduces stress and anxiety levels.
Nowadays it is quite common to find cases of children with high levels of stress and anxiety, which is quite worrying. Connecting with nature on a regular basis has been shown in studies to greatly reduce these cortisol levels.
Maintains proper vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D is very important for children’s development as, among other things, it is responsible for fixing calcium in the bones, which is extremely important for their growth. Playing outdoors is the best way to stay healthy.
IMPROVING FINE MOTOR AND GRASS DEVELOPMENT
Exploring the environment motivates the child to practice jumping, spinning, climbing trees, playing with plants, picking up stones and digging holes in the ground, all of which significantly help the child’s development.
Promotes health Contact with nature also helps to control obesity. It improves the health of children with chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes. Children who play in nature have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood and promote cognitive development by improving self-control. For these and many other reasons it is important to encourage our children to connect with nature and receive all its benefits.
