COLORADO, USA — PAID CONTENT BY GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO
It’s not easy being a kid right now. While we’re moving on from the days of distance learning, being separated from friends, and staying cooped up inside all the time, the last year has taken a toll on kids’ mental health. In fact, anxiety and depression rates have skyrocketed during the pandemic for children 12 and younger.
The good news is, studies show that just 20 minutes outside can reduce kids’ stress and help keep them on the bright side all summer long. So Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is teaming up with Children’s Hospital Colorado to spread the word about the life-changing benefits of giving your kids little nature breaks right outside your door.
The campaign centers on how to “turn your kid into a kid again” through TV and out-of-home advertising along with promoting a list of 20 Ideas for 20 Minutes outside.
“Outside time is incredibly important.”
“There is a ton of research on this,” according to Dr. Jenna Glover, Clinical Child Psychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “Outside time is incredibly important for young kids. It reduces stress, helps enhance their mood, creativity and imagination. It also helps increase kids’ focus and attention.”
And the benefits aren’t just short-term. “Research shows that kids who spent more time in green spaces growing up had lower rates of mental illness as adults,” said Glover. “So that’s what I tell parents: what you do now with your kids outdoors will protect them throughout their lives.”
Helps with ADHD and healthy sleep patterns.
Glover stated, “We know that especially for kids with ADHD, going outside and engaging in physical activity is one of the main ways to treat and reduce their symptoms. You’re going to see an improvement in their behavior, concentration and their ability to listen to you.”
We don’t have to tell parents that tired kids can get cranky. But did you know time outside can help with that, too? “I believe the majority of mental health problems would be eradicated if people got appropriate sleep,” said Dr. Glover. “The majority of children in our country are sleep deprived by about two hours a day. One of the most helpful impacts of nature is that it's shown to help dramatically improve children’s sleep. Natural light is so important.”
Any green space will do.
The best part is, it doesn’t take a big weekend getaway to the mountains or a lot of expensive camping gear to help kids feel better. Just playing in their local park or backyard can provide all the greenery, fresh air, and sunlight that kids need to be happier and healthier.
20 Ideas for 20 Minutes Outside.
To help busy parents fit outdoor playtime into their packed schedule, GOCO’s Generation Wild initiative has put together a list of 20 Ideas for 20 Minutes outside. From creating a bike obstacle course to going on a color scavenger hunt, these activities are all about making outside time quick, easy, and fun.
To download the 20 Ideas list and learn more, visit GenerationWild.com.
ABOUT GENERATION WILD
Generation Wild was created by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to reconnect kids with nature by increasing the amount of time they spend outside in unstructured play. The program is an integrated, statewide effort supported by a network of non-profit, public and private partner organizations. Follow Generation Wild on Facebook and Instagram and visit GenerationWild.com.
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