Do you have kids, or were you a kid who loved to get on your father’s shoulders and love the presence of the basking sun? Well, if that is the case, imagine a pristine sunny day, a cool breeze cooling off all your day’s anxiety and stress. Then, you can gather through the green field with a ball and some friends. And, you spend a good amount of hours under the sun, playing games, experiencing the benefits of fresh air and laughter. Now, for some hours, you are only indulged in some games. In this case, outdoor games or activities are essential in a world of pollution, concrete, and stress.
Speaking of which, this article defines outdoor games as anything medicinal and recreational, including football, hiking, outdoor basketball, and backyard games such as ladder toss or shuffleboard. Here are a handful of reasons why you need to consider playing outdoors.
1. Outdoor games are free.
Unlike recreational centers like amusement parks and gyms, playing outside doesn’t generally induce a cost. You can simply find community tennis courts, basketball courts, and public parks maintained by state authorities with your hard-earned tax money. For several outdoor games, all you require is an open field. Moreover, playing outside can be accessible to anyone, irrespective of the budget.
2. Outdoor games can help children excel in academic performance.
In one of the 2010 studies, around 80% of the teachers stated that kids who spent their time playing outside performed in the class with improved grades. This makes a lot of sense since kids are pretty energetic and do not seem to stop. In 2016, another study stated that kids who go camping once a year have better grades than those who do not.
3. Playing outside is one of the best sources of vitamin D.
Even though you can consume Vitamin D foods and supplements, sunlight remains one of the natural sources. However, if you are low, you are at significant risk of extracting type 1 diabetes, muscle pain, and different types of cancer. Moreover, vitamin D can promote calcium absorption, which is quite essential for robust bones. Speaking of which, this does not imply that you need to stand under the sun for several hours without sunscreen.
4. Outdoor activities build up strength.
Well, you can gain a considerable amount of muscles in the gym, but when you hit the outdoors, your body tends to deal with all-natural factors and not a closed room’s scent. In this way, you can also build muscles through body-weight activities without using any equipment or machines. If you did not know, outdoor exercise is quite adaptable. So, while you think of hitting the gym with several equipment pieces parked around, it can be intimidating and overwhelming. But, know what is at stake.
5. Outdoor activities can boost your memory.
Many studies state that being outdoors, primarily when walking is involved, promotes better memory. Michigan University conducted a study where they divided subjects into a couple of groups. While one group walked on a city street, the latter went to the arboretum. Subjects that strolled in the arboretum showed an improvement of 20% than when they first established their test results. Meanwhile, the second group did not show any progress.
6. Outdoor activities enhance mental health.
As already discussed, playing outdoor activities can have several benefits than being indoors. One solid reason is that it has overwhelming versatility, whereas indoor ones are flat and consistent. You do not have enough room to improvise while being indoors. Outdoor games require more concentration and focus, encouraging mindfulness, which is one of the standard techniques to improve mental health.
7. Being outside reduces stress and depression.
Many researchers have conducted studies on how outdoor games and activities can reduce depression and stress. Experts also quote that being outside camping, in nature, and exercising can reduce your stress levels. Having said that, do a simple experiment. Go out on a brief walk. When you move out, you will meet several people of the community, greet strangers, see an opportunity to help, and indulge in several things you didn’t know about what life had to offer. All these experiences can lead to effectiveness and efficiency in life.
8. Outdoor activities can regulate the sleep cycle.
One of the research pieces shows that individuals who spent most of their time outside slept better. This is especially the case for male members of society who are 65 or more.
9. Outdoor games can enhance creativity.
You do not have to consume any supplements to enhance your creativity levels. When you are amidst nature, the world’s unrecognized elements surround you. As a result, you never run out of creativity. Moreover, playing outdoors can also stimulate your mind and force people to stay off social media and digital devices.
Featured Image Credits: Pixabay
