The Not-So Surprising Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Getting Outside
By: Ann Kumpf, MOT, Outdoor Education Coordinator
The more I have grown to understand the relationship of God to Creation, the more it makes complete sense that nature is balm to the soul.
Think about it…
A tried and true way to get a fussy baby to calm down is to take them outside.
When I’m feeling overwhelmed or my thoughts are swirling, I head outside to our deck or go for a hike.
When Cambridge students are feeling restless and their attention is drifting… You guessed it! We head outside.
There’s just something about nature that fosters positive emotions and calm. That something is SOMEONE.
When you consider that the names of God include “the God Who Sees” (El Roi), “the God our Healer” (Jehovah Rapha), “the God of Peace” (Jehovah Shalom) and that Jesus is called our Hope, Mighty Shepherd, and our Rock, it is only fitting to conclude that spending time amongst God’s handiwork provides many positive benefits to adults’ and children’s emotional and mental well-being.
Stress and anxiety are at an all-time high for children.
An increase in technology use is connected to increasing feelings of loneliness and depression. At the same time children and families are spending less time outdoors.
Scientific research supports that children who spend time in nature experience reduced stress and anxiety, display reduced symptoms of ADHD/ADD, have enhanced self-regulation abilities and demonstrate improved creativity and problem-solving. Student-led outdoor education activities create meaningful learning opportunities with lasting impact. Studies show that children who do not perform well in typical reading and writing practices in the classroom often thrive outside where they can rise to leadership roles, participate in physical activities, and take part in cooperative group work.
And this is what we are seeing on a weekly basis during outdoor education at Cambridge. Children are engaged, delighted, and creative. Teachers are noticing that students respond in more positive ways when taking part in activities in the woods. Kids who don’t normally connect are connecting.
God has lovingly provided creation to meet the needs of our souls. The woods at Cambridge offer an amazing opportunity to nurture our students. What a joy to be part of a school that values the whole child! The smiles on their faces as they spend time in the woods say it all!
Why not continue your child’s nature experience outside of school? Plan a hike. Take a walk. Fly a kite. Or lay in your backyard and watch the clouds. Your family will be blessed.