Summer is here, and the weather has been great for spending time outdoors. Whether it be a quick trip to the park, hiking, going on a walk around the block or any outdoor activity, the benefits of nature have many positive effects emotionally, mentally, and physically.
As a young child, my family camped and fished. We lived in a small town with the best nightcrawlers around that came out after the rain. My dad would take my sister and I to collect them, sort and count them, and then sell them to a local bait shop. We would spend time at the lake where I collected toads, ran away from snakes, climbed trees, and I’d dig in the sand with my metal toy bulldozer while creating sandcastle towns with a new camping friend. I learned how to water ski, tube behind the boat, and swing on swings that required I place and align notches of a board on the rope prior to getting on. These experiences provided my body with various touch, muscle work, and movement-based inputs that are all improved through occupational therapy. It also provided my mind with the ability to think of new and different ideas, plan, and problem solve (motor planning). My emotional system expanded the ability to develop self-confidence and concept. It also provided me with the opportunity to learn how to work with others, share ideas, be flexible with changes to plans and routines, and share space and time. Research suggests that time in nature reduces stress, improves self-confidence, alleviates effects of depression, and enhances attention (Maller, 2009). It also builds comradery and the ability to relate to other people and to nature while building a sense of autonomy and competence (Chawla, 2022).
Over the years and throughout the course of my adulthood, I’ve continued to find solace in the outdoors. As I write this, I’m reminded that one of the reasons that the new Move U Headquarters location was chosen was because of the ample natural light pouring through the large windows and serene greenery of the trees directly outside. Not only do we as adults need this, but time in nature is incredibly beneficial for children as well. What better time to incorporate the benefits of nature than during a pediatric occupational therapy treatment. On July 18th, Move U will be partnering with the Outdoor Campus for a community-based fishing event. This is an exciting opportunity for you and your family to get outside and start exploring nature with one of my personal favorite sensory-rich activities. I hope to see you all at this family event, but if you can’t make it, please remember to take time for outdoor play while allowing your children to explore, build, design, imagine, and play with others.
If you’re interested in attending this event, register here. It’s free for all!
Chawla, Louise (2022). Passive patient or active agent? An under-explored perspective on the benefits of time in nature for learning and wellbeing. Frontiers in Psychology. 13:942744. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.942744.
Maller, Cecily J. (2009). Promoting children’s mental, emotional and social heath through contact with nature: A model. Health Education. Vol. 109, Issue 6. 522-543. DOI: 10.1108/09654280911001185.
