Outdoor exercise not only has many positive effects on the development of the body and physical health. It is also essential for children’s mental health. Here we mention seven positive effects of exercise on this area, which is receiving increasing attention from various disciplines.

1. Improving mood, reducing stress and signs of depression. Regular physical activity outdoors can reduce signs of depression and anxiety in children. Light outdoors, especially sunlight, helps to regulate hormones such as serotonin and melatonin, which improves mood. Children who spend more time in nature often report less stress.
2. Improving self-esteem and developing independence. Physical activity outdoors can improve body image and self-esteem and promote independence and decision-making. Children who exercise regularly tend to feel more confident in their bodies, which is important for healthy mental development.
3. Encouraging interpersonal contact. Outdoor exercise often involves group activities that promote the development of social skills such as socialising and conflict resolution. This can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
4. Improving sleep. Physical activity outdoors, especially exposure to natural light, can help regulate circadian rhythms, which improves sleep quality. In addition, natural environments and green spaces are calming and increase feelings of well-being, which have a further positive impact on better sleep.
5. Increasing concentration and alertness. Natural environments can reduce indicators of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and improve children’s ability to concentrate and pay attention. Natural settings tend to be slower and calmer, allowing for a more focused focus and a greater degree of calm.
6. Motor skills development. Movement outdoors allows the development and improvement of gross and fine motor skills, which are crucial for physical and mental development. The biggest difference can be seen in toddlers. Children who do a lot of running in nature, climbing trees and creating with the earth can more easily and quickly get into certain specific sports, as they have better coordination of movements and are more aware of their bodies.
7. Increasing their sense of belonging to the environment. Regular outdoor activities can stimulate an interest in nature and environmentalism, which in turn reinforces a sense of belonging and responsibility towards the environment. It also gives a person a greater sense of connectedness to the world, which helps to make sense of their life and to appreciate their role in relation to the size of the whole world (e.g. even an ant is important for our world to be the way it is).
   

If you look back at your childhood – could you also notice any positive effects on your mental health that came with being outdoors?

Benjamin Tomažič

Benjamin Tomažič is a professor of computer science, Gestalt counsellor, international exchange leader, mentor in the field of sex addiction, professor of mathematics, father of six children