By Madison Chadwick Thomas, guest contributor
Screen time overload. Safety fears. No close access to outdoor recreation areas.
There are several reasons we can point to as to why young people seemingly aren’t going outside as much as generations before.
Richard Louv, an author who frequently cites research on the effects of the outdoors on humans, coined the term “nature-deficit disorder.” While it is not a medical diagnosis, it is a useful term to describe what many believe are the costs of alienation from nature: a diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses, a rising rate of nearsightedness, child and adult obesity, Vitamin D deficiency, and other afflictions (Berkeley).
Experiences in the natural world offer great benefits to our health and the ability to learn, for children and adults. Many people don’t know what they’re missing, but it is never too late to start getting outside.
Benefits of the Outdoors
1) Physical health benefits – Young people should be active for an hour every day, and outdoor play can be the best bet. But additional benefits include safe sun exposure, which helps many body processes and promotes healthy sleep.
2) Mental health benefits - Being outdoors can improve your mood and reduce anxiety. “We are physically wired to respond to being outdoors,” says Deborah Gilboa, M.D., a Pittsburgh area physician and parenting expert specializing in resilience. “Being outdoors causes us to take slower, deeper breaths and to take more in visually. We are much more likely to look up and look around when we are outside.” Nature also provides sensory and intellectual stimulation that can enhance concentration, creativity and performance inside and outside the classroom (Tony Bakerink, MD).
3) Building confidence and courage – Youth need to learn to take healthy risks, which can lead to a more confidence and courage to face the curveballs life throws at them. How will they know what they are capable of if they aren’t prepared to try new things? Chicago Voyagers’ program model utilizes the Growth Zone, based on the work of psychologist Lev Vygostky, to help youth identify where they may need more support and where they are ready for a new challenge. The outdoors is a great place to practice the skill of pushing past their comfort zone!
4) Appreciation of Nature – The feeling of dirty hands when potting a new plant. The curiosity of choosing a path on a trail and finding where it leads. The discovery of beautiful underwater worlds. The gift of breathtaking views after scaling the highest of heights. These are all treasures that need to be protected, and those who spend time outdoors are more likely to appreciate Earth and take care of it. We only have one.
Chicago Voyagers Use of Outdoor Therapy to Heal
Chicago Voyagers has decades of experience in combining power of the outdoors with scientifically backed therapeutic interventions to support youth in overcoming adverse childhood experiences. Our unique outdoor adventure therapy programming boosts growth and healing. CV helps expose youth to the natural world around them, expanding their understanding of what is possible. We also provide the support and guidance needed to help them understand and cultivate personal responsibility, self-empowerment, and belief in their ability to achieve and overcome challenges.
To see a list of CV’s outdoor youth programming, visit Our Programs.
