This month will see National Growing for Wellbeing Week take place across the country – a great opportunity to get in touch with nature and experience some of its mental health benefits.
At Teach Outdoors, with wellbeing in mind, we’re taking a look at the research surrounding positive mental health and outdoor environments. Research has shown that contact with nature and immersive experiences in natural environments have profound positive effects on the mental health and overall wellbeing of children and teenagers. Some benefits highlighted in UK studies are enhanced self-esteem, reduced stress, and greater resilience. Let’s take a closer look.
Enhanced Mental Health:
Existing research in this area consistently points towards the positive association between contact with nature and improved mental health outcomes in young people. Nature-based educational activities have been linked to better emotional well-being, increased self-esteem, and a reduction in symptoms of depression and ADHD. These findings suggest that the simple act of being outdoors and engaging with nature can profoundly impact children’s mental health.
Boosted Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy:
Immersive nature experiences, such as education outside the classroom, have been found to enhance self-esteem and increase self-efficacy in children. By stepping outside their comfort zones and engaging in outdoor activities, students develop a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Outdoor learning provides a unique opportunity for children to overcome challenges, work collaboratively, and experience personal growth, ultimately leading to improved self-esteem and a belief in their abilities.
Stress Reduction and Resilience:
Spending time outdoors in natural environments has been widely recognised for its restorative benefits and its ability to reduce stress levels. Studies have shown that natural settings serve as “restorative environments” and contribute to stress reduction and the prevention of depression [Berto, 2005; Douglas, 2005]. Outdoor learning allows students to escape the pressures of the classroom and connect with the calming and rejuvenating effects of nature. Furthermore, exposure to outdoor experiences promotes resilience, enabling children to better cope with challenges and bounce back from setbacks.
Cognitive Development and Creativity:
Beyond the mental health benefits, outdoor learning has been associated with improved cognitive functioning. The presence of natural features in children’s play spaces, such as trees and green spaces, has been linked to enhanced cognitive development [Wells, 2000]. Engaging with nature stimulates curiosity, imagination, and problem-solving skills, fostering creativity and innovative thinking. Outdoor environments provide endless possibilities for exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning, which in turn enhance cognitive abilities.
So, with those benefits in mind, let’s really get stuck in with outdoor learning this month. Whether you decide to tackle National Growing for Wellbeing Week, Butterfly Education and Awareness Day, World Environment Day, or you’re joining us at the Outdoor Learning Conference on 13th June, these will all offer opportunities to get stuck into outdoor education in your setting!
