May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so I was so honored to be invited back to the FOX 5 San Diego studio yesterday morning to talk LIVE on the air with Shally Zomorodi about nature therapy, otherwise known as eco-therapy, and the benefits of being outdoors. In case you missed the segment, I wanted to follow up with a blog post to share what I discussed and some things I didn’t have time to say on TV!
HOW MUCH TIME OUTSIDE DO KIDS NEED?
As much as you can! The Journal of Pediatrics came out with an article recently about the importance of unstructured play for children and how the lack of it is severely and negatively affecting their mental health and healthy child development. One of the best ways for kids to have unstructured play is outside, so as I said, the more the better! I would recommend a minimum of 30 minutes a day during the school year and a one hour minimum per day during the summer months. But honestly you can never have too much time outdoors. Just make sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Playing in nature helps kids develop better posture, balance, coordination, and body awareness. Unstructured play outside also helps inspire children with creativity and imagination, and also improve problem solving skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills, and social skills! And playing in dirt has benefits too! Soil has healthy bacteria that can build the immune system and some plants like sage, lavender, pine, and citrus also produce natural stress relief chemicals called terpenes. And of course there are all the physical and mental health benefits of Vitamin D!
ARE SOME ACTIVITIES MORE BENEFICIAL THAN OTHERS?
Studies have shown that if you go outside for at least three minutes and look towards the rising sun before 9AM you will gain exposure to solar blue light to help signal the body to release Serotonin. Exposure to solar blue light in the morning can help maintain the body’s circadian rhythm and signal the body to release serotonin. Blue light and Serotonin helps memory and brain function and elevates your mood. Solar Blue Light also wakes us up and keeps us alert during the day. Solar Blue Light signals the body to release serotonin, a hormone that contributes to our sense of well-being. Blue Light also regulates your body’s natural wake and sleep cycle (circadian rhythm). Sunlight is also important for the growth and development of eyes and vision in children.
ARE THERE BENEFITS FOR PARENTS TOO?
Yes! Nature Therapy or Eco Therapy has a positive impact on individuals’ mental health. Fresh air is known to improve your immune system and relieve stress!!! There is also what’s called Color Therapy, also known as chromotherapy, where if you look at shades of blue and green hues, it can help reduce stress and anxiety. The calming effects of certain colors are a cornerstone of color therapy. Studies have found that spending time outdoors relieves stress, specifically by releasing hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which boosts mood.
HOW DO WE MAKE MORE TIME TO BE OUTSIDE WITH BUSY SCHEDULES?
Honestly you just have to prioritize the time. At minimum do your 3 minutes in the morning each day. Then make it a priority to go to the park, go on a walk in the neighborhood, do a nature scavenger hunt, do homework or craft outside, take nature breaks throughout the day, or play in the backyard.
If you want to see the full segment, click here: https://fox5sandiego.com/video/dr-kim-van-dusen-on-nature-therapy/9733934/
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