Helping Children Meet Their Full Potential Faster
With the passage of time and generational shifts, there has been a discernible move in the leisure activities of our children and young adults. It is now quite evident that children are spending less time outdoors and more on a variety of electronic devices. This shift in leisure activities has a long-term impact on overall health & development. In this blog, we are articulating the reasons why all children need to be outdoors daily (come spring, summer, or winter).
Below are listed the top reasons for encouraging children to play outdoors:
Outdoor play increases good health. Playing outdoors in the sunlight is a must to ensure that the children get their required dosage of Vitamin D. Vitamin D as we know is the building block of strong & healthy bones. It is imperative that from an early age, the kids get accustomed to being outdoors with the family and others making it a daily affair to ensure that Vitamin D is absorbed into the body via outdoor work. This ensures that they are not dependent on Vitamin D supplements down the road. Plus playing outdoors works on building the much needed immunity as well as reducing infections / illnesses.
Development of the senses. Outdoor activities are an important way to gain sensory input. It's important for all to get a certain amount and quality of sensory input to remain regulated.
Outdoor play encourages movement & exercise. Child obesity is a rising bane of nations in the last few decades. With more people and children staying indoors and indulging in sugar-rich food & drinks, the obesity levels in nations is reaching alarming proportions. Moreover, a large chunk of children with different abilities / development disorders face a greater risk for being obese. The best way to get people moving & healthy is a daily regimen of exercise & outdoor play. It could be as simple as walks & cycling to team sports. These are socially significant activities that can be worked on in your child’s therapy.
Enhancing strength and coordination. Outdoor play strengthens core muscles, upper body, and hands which enables children to perform better in day-to-day activities. Children need to build a strong body to do well in life and the foundation of it is laid in outdoor play & activities as a child.
Enhancement in motor planning skills. Playing outdoors is an excellent way to hone motor planning skills that pave the way for greater independence in daily life. The most effective way for a child to learn how to move their body is by constant practice. Motor planning is a skill that lets us remember and perform to make any type of movement. It includes simple tasks like brushing teeth, washing hands, and tying shoelaces.
Improves happiness and a feeling of well-being. Being outdoors exercising in the fresh air, the sun, and greenery all round boosts the production of endorphin polypeptides. Endorphins induce a state of happiness / well-being and reduce anxiety & depression. Isn't that an excellent reason to get the kids outdoors?
Make outdoor activities & play a part of a daily routine so that the entire family benefits from its various numerous advantages. Let the play begin.
