Kids in the year 2020 are up against a lot when it comes to getting enough nature time. Not only do kids have more homework in most cases these days, but they also have way more screen time than we did when we were kids. While the World Health Organization recommends about one to two hours of screen time a day for kids, typically they'll spend several times that amount on screens — many spending up to seven or even eight hours a day on devices.
Even if parents work hard to create limits for their kids when it comes to screens, the truth is, modern children do a lot of learning online. It's not all bad, but smartphones, tablets, video game systems, and other devices end up occupying a lot of their time. Now that many kids around the globe are using computers to do their schoolwork, those numbers are probably going to keep going up.
Aside from the ongoing, probably never-ending screen battle, kids are generally more scheduled than ever before. Between schoolwork and extracurricular activities, some kids these days simply don't have time to get outdoors. And that's a real shame, because there are so many benefits to nature, whether it be a woodsy hike, a camping trip, or just relaxing in a hammock in your own backyard.
Outdoor time has never been more needed. Luckily, we have some inspiration.
The 1,000 Hours Outside challenge was created to inspire kids to get outside. Right now, given that so many of us are basically home all the time, there's really no reason not to take the challenge.
If you still need a few good reasons to get out, we'll give you eight.
1. It's great for stress relief.
While staring at a phone or a device has a certain kind of draw, it doesn't relieve stress the way that getting outside does. There are so many proven benefits to getting outdoors. But a big one is that it decreases stress. Kids are more stressed out than ever these days! And in the current climate, there's no question that they are feeling antsy. Getting out of the house can work wonders and make everyone, including you, feel a little more grounded.
2. It's good exercise.
We all need exercise. There are just so many benefits, like producing mood-boosting hormones. But kids especially need to move their little bodies. Not only do kids who sit around all day experience early health problems at higher rates than kids who are active, but they're also less happy. That's because exercise is not only good for the body but good for the mind!
3. It's the best boredom-buster.
It is not easy being holed up indoors. If you're tired of hearing, "I'm bored … I'm bored," then step outside. It doesn't matter if it's chilly or damp or if the sun is shining bright. Of course, it's more desirable to head outside on a beautiful day, but even rainy days can be fun. Chances are, once your kids get interested in something outside, like climbing a tree or checking out a cool new hiking path, they won't be complaining anymore. And that's great for everyone!
Remember, they can't bounce off the walls if there are none.
4. They'll make great memories.
No one ever remembers their best day of playing video games. OK, perhaps some people do, and more power to the hard-core gamers out there. However, great memories are made more frequently when we're out in the world. From playing a family sport to taking a dip in a stream, there is just so much to do outside — that's probably why our outdoor fun is memorable. Each day outside can look completely different from the day before.
5. It's a real breath of fresh air.
Both literally and figuratively, getting outside is a breath of fresh air. When we only stay indoors, we breathe in the air between our four walls all day long. That can sometimes mean breathing in dusty or recycled air. Breathing in fresh air can actually benefit your lungs by helping them dilate more fully. Basically, it's better for you than the stale air indoors.
6. It improves focus.
Experts say that time spent outdoors improves focus. That goes for adults and kids alike. So if you're a parent trying to get your kids to focus on just about anything, whether it be schoolwork or cleaning their room, taking an hour-long break outside might just do the trick.
7. It fosters an appreciation for nature.
While the climate crisis mounts, it's important to teach kids about how to be respectful of nature. But it's kind of hard to teach them about all of the wonders of the world when they're sitting inside all the time. Kids tend to be more compassionate nature lovers when they spend time outside. The ones who develop that love of the outdoors when they're young are likely to be the ones helping to prevent climate change as they grow older.
8. It's fun ... and it makes coming inside more fun.
There is almost nothing better than a full day spent outdoors. There is so much variety in what you can do. A lot of it depends on personality and what you and your kids like. You might be joggers, fishers, or bike people. It doesn't matter what you're doing outside, as long as you're enjoying yourselves. But it also makes coming in at the end of the day to relax a bit more relaxing. Sitting around all day just doesn't feel good. However, cozying up in the evening after using your body all day definitely does.
