Gary Snyder, an environmentalist and poet, aptly penned the words, “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” Is it any wonder our first home, God’s perfect home for mankind, was a garden?
When is the last time you deliberately took time to go hiking, walk through a garden, sit under a tree, or just exist outside for no other reason than to just be outdoors? Maybe you have already discovered the secret of outdoor living. If not, November 17th is National Take a Hike Day — not in the, “You’re driving me crazy, go take a hike!” kind of way, but a call back to our roots, a reminder to stop the rat race and slow down to smell the roses.
Are you aware that spending time outdoors benefits us all mentally, physically, and even academically?
According to statistics put out by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), one in five adults, and 1 in 6 youth (ages 6-11) experience some sort of mental health disorder each year. This is true across all ethnic groups. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34. It’s very likely that quite a few readers of this blog have experience with some type of mental illness in their own extended families. And have you seen the statistics on depression lately? According to the Anxiety and Depression Society of America, almost 18% of the U.S. population suffers from anxiety or depression.
With such startling statistics, something needs to be done about it. Interestingly, the American Journal of Public Health reports that the simple act of spending time outside can help combat part of this epidemic. Specifically, they state that it could be a “potential natural treatment for ADHD.” Imagine … could it really be true that the mental health, inattention, or impulsivity of millions might be curbed by something so simple?
Spending time out in nature also boosts our energy levels. What an ideal way to do that! Fellow homeschool mamas, how many of us need an energy boost? I know I do! Some days it seems I’m already worn out two hours into the school day. So here’s a possible solution: take them out and turn them loose!
Do you suffer from a vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium (crucial for strong bones), fight infection, and even prevent autoimmune diseases. Most people I know take a supplement for it, but spending more time outside will naturally boost those vitamin D levels.
How is your sleep? Did you know exposure to natural light outdoors helps you sleep at night? (Read more here.)
Other benefits of hiking in the great outdoors include lowering blood pressure and strengthening the immune system. Our immune system is our body’s shield against infection and disease. When functioning correctly, it recognizes what makes us ourselves, and attacks anything that shouldn’t be a part of us. Could our hiking boots walk us into better health as we approach this cold and flu season?
We all know children are sponges, actively soaking up their environment; how important to create the best one possible. Research suggests that spending time outdoors improves both kids behavior and grades … and that sounds good to me! As homeschoolers, we have the unique opportunity to do our school just about anywhere. I have one child in particular who, rain or shine, will drag her books outside. Her favorite perch is our shop’s roof, and as long as it’s getting done, I honestly don’t care where they do their work.
How Spending Time Outdoors Can Boost Student Academic Potential
It is absolutely vital for children to have unstructured outdoor time. It encourages their development physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally. Taking our kids outdoors is a “win” for almost everything they need.
Now that we’ve talked a bit about how important it is to get out and hike, where should you go? According to Wikipedia, the U.S. has more than 74,000 miles of accessible trails. A quick Google search is bound to pull up something around you.
A quick mom note here: remember to ALWAYS hike with a partner for safety, and let someone know where you’ve gone. Pack some snacks and water, and if you have younger children in the family, you might make up a fun scavenger hunt list of things they can search for outside. Depending on where you live and what time of year it is, look for certain flowers, trees, insects, and birds that inhabit your neck of the woods.
One last idea: if you’re a bit of an environmentalist — or would like to be — simply take along a trash bag or two, and collect garbage others have carelessly left behind as you hike. Your mama probably told you that whenever you borrow something, you should always return it in as good or better condition, and that’s a great principle to apply when you’re out in nature. After all, in a way we’re borrowing the woods and hiking trails from our kids and grandkids. Let’s keep them beautiful for future generations.
However you choose to spend some time outside in the coming weeks, I hope it strengthens your passion for outdoor life — or maybe helps you gain a new appreciation for it. A simple hike in the woods just might inspire you to carve out more time in nature for yourself and your loved ones.
