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A lack of generational involvement with nature can be connected to attention difficulties, behavioral problems, higher rates of emotional and physical illness and diminished use of the senses. (Gladwell, Brown, Wood, Sandercock, & Barton, 2013)

 

Being outdoors reduces stress

The first five minutes of outdoor interaction is considered to be the most impactful. In studies measuring stress and exposure to forest environments, adrenaline, noradrenaline and the stress hormone, cortisol, all fall after being within nature. Suggesting that exposure to nature has a positive impact on the two main stress systems. Other studies also considered the effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and the reduction of both of these physiological functions also suggest that the environment is calming and reduced stress. (Gladwell, Brown, Wood, Sandercock, & Barton, 2013)

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Motivation is higher in green space

The perception of effort is lower during exercise in natural environments, therefore a greater intensity of exercise can be achieved and subsequently the motivation for activity may increase as well. When asked to reproduce a specific level of perceived exertion indoors and outdoors, individuals tend to walk faster at a greater physiological effort outdoors.This study was verified but taking the heart rate of the individuals in both environments and measuring their blood lactate levels as well. This suggest they perceive exercise to be less demanding when performed in the natural environments, and the likely-hood of participants  exercising outdoors was increased. (Gladwell, Brown, Wood, Sandercock, & Barton, 2013)

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Mood boosting benefits

 Access to green space has been shown to be important for mental health and is associated with longevity and decreased risk of mental illness in studies from Japan, Scandinavia and the Netherlands. A systematic review of studies comparing indoor versus outdoor activity in a natural environment suggests that outdoor activity ( in a natural or green environment) causes greater feelings of revitalisation and positive engagement. All types of green exercise activities also improve self-esteem and reduces tension, anger and depression. The natural green environment was compared to indoor and built green space. (Park, Tsunetsugu, Kasetani, Kagawa, & Miyazaki, 2009)

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Why is it important to encourage our youth to engage in outdoor activities?

 Studies show a correlation between participation in sports and outdoor recreation as children, and a positively impacts their outlook in life as young adults. Through a series of surveys and examination of memories of participation in such events, 85% of respondents indicated that participation in outdoor recreation and sports activities enhanced their confidence and built their inner strengths. Through surveys respondents expressed the view that the world, while difficult at times, offered promising opportunities for success and for coping with future challenges, where as participants who did not participate in such activities in their early childhood had a more pessimistic outlook on life and difficulty moving past hardships. (Flood, J.P., Lawther, J.W., & Montandon, K.A. 2015)