Whether for sports classes, tending the veggie patch or lunchtime free play, being outdoors has a positive effect on young people’s mental health.A recent study led by The University of Queensland (UQ) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions (CEED) suggests that people who visit parks for 30 minutes or more each week are much less likely to have poor mental health than those who don’t.

UQ CEED researcher Dr Danielle Shanahan said we need to support and encourage community activities in natural spaces.

“We’ve known for a long time that visiting parks is good for our health… Our children especially benefit from spending more time outdoors. Kids who grow up experiencing natural environments may benefit developmentally and have a heightened environmental awareness as adults,” said Shanahan.

This study supports existing research which shows strong evidence for positive associations between green space and good mental health.

A 2015 international review analysed the health benefits of green spaces in the living environment and found that the availability of parks, playgrounds and recreation areas plays an important role in wellbeing.

The review analysed the results of 19 studies in perceived mental health from The Netherlands, UK, Sweden, Lithuania, Australia, New Zealand and USA.

Some possible explanations for the mental health benefits of being outdoors include:

• providing opportunities for outdoor physical activities
• social contact and building relationships
• relaxation
• biological changes which work to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and lower blood pressure.

A UK study tracked changes in mental health over several years as people moved within urban settings. They found that when people moved to areas with more green space, including tree-lined streets, private gardens and public parks, they were happier for at least three years after their move, and that this feeling of contentment grew over time.“There is something about natural environments that improves people’s wellbeing,” says Richard Mitchell, an epidemiologist at Glasgow University, UK.

“You perceive nature with your senses. Your brain processes those sensory experiences and triggers physiological responses.”

Incredibly, people’s perception of nature causes physiological changes, such as reducing the stress hormone cortisol and lowering blood pressure.

There is even ongoing research into using nature as an intervention for mental health care. ‘Nature-based intervention’ is founded on the evidence that exposure to the natural environment positively affects physical health and mental wellbeing.

Psychological benefits include reduced stress and anxiety, improvements to mood, increased perceived wellbeing, improved concentration and attention, and cognitive restoration.

Here are some suggestions to encourage your students to spend time outdoors:

1. Encourage participation in school and extracurricular sports held outdoors.
2. Consider outdoor locations for school excursions such as national parks, botanic gardens, forests and wildlife sanctuaries. Activities may include bushwalking, wildlife watching and adventure courses.
3. Discuss the environment, recycling, conservation and wildlife to foster a curiosity and respect for nature.
4. Encourage students to go for a walk outdoors during times of pressure such as exam time. Both exercise and nature have been shown to reduce stress and enhance cognitive abilities.

Spending time outside is hugely beneficial for young people. Nature can promote positive mental health and wellbeing and can be easily implemented in schools, for the benefit of students, teachers and the whole school community.

Sorce:  www.mindmatters.edu.au