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How to Get Outdoors and Fight Nature-Deficit Disorder
As humans have evolved, we’ve learned to do more with less, inventing technical gadgets to offset our workload. And as a result, young and old alike spend more time indoors than out, and it’s doing us harm.
Nature-deficit disorder is wreaking havoc in our society, especially our children, but thankfully, there are some simple cures. Camp Sonshine International offers the following resources to help you and yours thrive.
Understanding Nature-Deficit Disorder
Many times we are not aware of how much time we spend on indoor activities, but too much time indoors can lead to depression, anxiety, and obesity for both children and adults. Understanding what nature-deficit disorder is and how it affects our health, as well as how a simple walk outside can cure our ills, will help you move you into action.
- Too much time inside can lead to negative consequences.
- Kids are especially vulnerable to too little time outside.
Elements and Benefits
Being stuck inside has detrimental effects, but just planning outdoor activities or places to visit will improve the health and well-being of our children. A full education should include play and the outdoors — including play in your own backyard!
- Getting outside and playing helps children grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
- Simply being outside and planning to be near water is loaded with health benefits.
- Stargazing is also beneficial; use astronomy tools to enjoy time under the night sky.
- Spending time in your backyard can easily help stomp out nature deficit disorder.
- To help protect your family while playing outside, work with a local fence company to build a fence. That way, you could get the family pets involved in backyard activities.
Places to Go
Plan a family trip that involves the outside and go as a family to increase togetherness and learning. Children can learn so much more when the whole family is involved and wants to learn.
- Plan for an afternoon of family hiking on nearby trails.
- Or put together the ultimate family camping trip.
- A whole day at the zoo can be a great way to see animals up close.
Things to Do
Explore activities for your children and have them engage in activities that will enhance their understanding and build their confidence. Outdoor activities are wonderful ways to engage the mind and body.
- Look for nature-focused outdoor learning opportunities.
- Attend outdoor camps like Camp Sonshine.
- Explore lakes and streams in their midst by canoeing.
While our modern lifestyle offers many benefits, too much time indoors isn’t one of them. Look for ways to get out and about with your kids on a daily basis. There are plenty of ways to do so, and everyone will be happier and healthier as a result.