4 Proven Benefits of the Outdoors
We are excited to bring you an informative post about the proven benefits of learning outdoors, combined with our founder Janneke’s insight on each point. Here are four researched-backed benefits of learning outdoors!
Enhanced self-esteem
Being outdoors, and especially learning outdoors, can have a positive impact on self-esteem. We’ve seen it firsthand ourselves in our Youth Programs. A study conducted in four elementary schools in California showed that self-esteem and skills like conflict-resolution and leadership were elevated in kids who took part in an outdoor study program. The impact was still observed 6 to 10 weeks later, with positive changes seen in cooperation and other behaviours.
Janneke’s thoughts:
Through my years of working with youth in the outdoors I have had the pleasure of seeing them grow, adapt and blossom into their true selves. When taking youth into the backcountry you get to see them beam with pride as they cross over a hard portage, paddle into headwinds and rejoice, “We made it” when you get back to the car. They stand a little taller after each day of being outdoors.
Improved mental wellness
It’s demonstrated that being outdoors improves mental health. Youth who grow up with lower levels of vegetation have a 30% higher rate of risk of increased mental health conditions such as stress and mood disorders, substance abuse. In contrast, another study showed youth who have high access to nature experienced fewer psychological problems and stress. This demonstrated that being outdoors improves mental health - Seeds is a firm believer in the power of the outdoors to heal and inspire both mind and body, and we bring that philosophy into everything we do with Seeds.
Janneke’s thoughts:
I get the pleasure of seeing this each and every time I am with people outdoors, even myself. I can see their shoulders relax, the tone of their voice soften and their openness come alive. When we take those moments to breathe in nature we can exhale the stresses of life. We take on the energy nature has to offer for us.
Increased academic performance
One thing you’ll pick up on quickly if you visit Seeds is that we are all about connection-focused, nature-based learning. Our participants learn valuable lessons that they take with them and apply to everyday life. There is a curriculum aspect to what we do in our Outdoor School. We celebrate outdoor learning and its impact on academic performance. A study where one group participated in outdoor education, while the other did not showed the youth who experienced outdoor school saw a 27% increase in their test scores. Here at Seeds we value all forms of education.
Janneke’s thoughts:
It has always amazed me that by taking away the walls you actually gain people's attention. There are less distractions of sounds from other rooms, people walking by, and noises bouncing back at them from the walls. With our more balanced and calmed emotions we are able to focus and truly absorb what we are learning to a deeper level.
Enhanced physical wellness
Body movement and fresh air are good for the body. Extra time outdoors has a positive impact on people of all ages. The benefits of Vitamin D (which we are exposed to when we are outside) are plenty. Vitamin D increases bone and muscle health, as well as boosting the immune system. Being outside has been shown to reduce blood pressure and to lower the risks of conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Janneke’s thoughts:
With the time I have spent with youth outdoors and even myself there are physical benefits that we can see that may not need scientific explanation. At the end of the day of being outdoors we are more tired, and we tend to sleep better. I have had many parents over the years tell me that their children have fallen asleep faster than ever after a day of learning outdoors.
Seeds offers a wide range of programs that bring all of the mentioned benefits to people. We invite you to explore our website for more information on how we can help you harness the mental, physical and emotional benefits of learning in nature.
Appendix
“Effects of Outdoor Education Programs for Children in California”, American Institute for Research, January 31, 2005, http://www.seer.org/pages/research/AIROutdoorSchool2005.pdf, Accessed March 28, 2021.
Egemann, Kristine et al. “Residential green space in childhood is associated with lower risk of psychiatric disorders from adolescence into adulthood”, PNAS, March 12, 2019, https://www.pnas.org/content/116/11/5188?fbclid=IwAR37X6FGACNGlRWItNFdZEi4FsACea-9vHh-HkOnBNeQskutVv8v_aASR1Y, Accessed March 28, 2021
Groth, Leah. “9 Vitamin D Benefits You Should Know—and How to Get More in Your Diet”, Explore Health, June 25, 2020, https://www.health.com/nutrition/vitamins-supplements/vitamin-d-benefits, Accessed March 28, 2021
University of East Anglia. “It's official -- spending time outside is good for you”, Science Daily, July 6, 2018, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180706102842.htm, Accessed March 28, 2021
Wells, Nancy M and Gary W. Evans. “Nearby Nature: A Buffer of Life Stress among Rural Children”, Sage Journals, May 1, 2003, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0013916503035003001, Accessed March 28, 2021