The Importance of Being Outside for Children and Families
April 2, 2025
The Importance of Being Outside for Children and Families
With the arrival of April, we not only welcome warmer days but also recognize Stress Awareness Month—a reminder to find ways to manage stress for both ourselves and our families. In today's fast-paced world, stress can easily creep into daily life, affecting mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, one of the simplest and most effective ways to help your child and family combat stress is by spending more time outdoors. Be sure to watch the Tiny Tips video featuring Kristin Morgan, DNP, MSN, APRN from Dartmouth Health Children’s for great guidance on this topic.
How Outdoor Time Helps Children and Families Manage Stress
Research consistently highlights the many ways that nature positively influences health. Exposure to fresh air, natural sunlight, and green spaces lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone), boosts mood, and enhances overall well-being. The benefits extend across physical, cognitive, emotional, and mental health—proving that outdoor time isn’t just fun; it’s essential.
The Many Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children
In addition to stress relief, children experience a wide range of physical and developmental benefits when they spend time outside:
- Boosts Vitamin D Levels: Sunlight stimulates Vitamin D production, which not only improves mood but also strengthens bones and supports the musculoskeletal system.
- Encourages Physical Activity: Whether it’s walking, biking, swimming, or gardening, movement outdoors releases endorphins, the body’s natural stress-relievers. Children, in particular, play harder outside, which helps develop their strength and endurance.
- Supports Eye Health: Studies show that two hours outside a day reduces the chances of myopia (nearsightedness) by 50%.
Making Outdoor Time a Daily Habit
There’s growing momentum around the idea of spending at least three hours outside daily, adding up to 1,000 hours per year. While that might seem like a big goal, any time spent outdoors is beneficial! A simple way to increase outdoor time is to ask yourself: Can I do this activity outside? Whether it’s reading, exercising, or even eating a meal, moving everyday tasks outdoors can make a big difference.
Finding Support & Community at The Granite YMCA
Looking for ways to incorporate more outdoor activities and movement into your family’s routine? The Granite YMCA offers a variety of programs designed to help families and individuals stay active and connected to nature. From group exercise classes and seasonal outdoor activities to mindfulness sessions and community events, there are plenty of opportunities to support your family’s mental and physical well-being while spending quality time together.
This April, take advantage of Stress Awareness Month by stepping outside and embracing all the benefits that nature has to offer. Your mind and body will thank you!
About the "Tiny Tips" Series
The Granite YMCA and Dartmouth Health Children’s partnership is dedicated to enhancing youth and family well-being. Through our "Tiny Tips" series, we’re able to provide parents and caregivers with tips from Dartmouth Health Children’s doctors and care teams. "Tiny Tips" cover topics from mental health to tummy troubles and everything in between. Together, we’re extending our impact by delivering health-related information that focuses on youth development and healthy living.
