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Why Is It Important to Spend Time Outdoors Essay

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Why Is It Important to Spend Time Outdoors: Essay Introduction

Health effects of spending time outdoor: essay body, exercise & outdoor activities: essay body, mood & concentration benefits of outdoor activities: essay body, essay about outdoor activities: conclusion, works cited.

Do you like spending time in nature with family and friends? Then you will definitely enjoy writing an essay about outdoor activities! But why is it important to spend time outdoors? Essay example on this page has the answer: check it out!

Spending time outside the serenity one is used to have positive effects on the physical and the mental health. Research shows that spending leisure time in those activities not confined to your area improves both the physical and mental well-being.

Outdoor activities includes walking, fishing, running, playing, mountain hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating and fishing, kayaking, picnicking and swimming. It is also healthy to spend time in nature settings for example watching the rivers flowing, adventuring the forests and game parks (Sisson 1).

Research proves that engaging in outdoor activities is significant to the growth and development of the body and the mind. However, this can be achieved through other means like indoors, but with a lot of trouble and expenses (Komaroff 1)

Many people like serenity of spending leisure free time in nature so that they can reduce or eliminate the stress and fatigue of engaging in day-to-day activities. The natural scenery and fresh air outside have the positive effects for both adults and the kids. The overall quality of children’s life improves when they are actively engaged in outdoor activities.

Engaging in outdoor activities means that a person will get enough sunlight. Sunshine acts as a source of vitamin D. When the sunlight hits the skin, the process starts from the involvement of the liver and kidneys; this eventually results in the development of the biologically active form of the vitamin. Many other vitamins do not have powers to fight back the diseases as compared to the vitamin D that has been proved more powerful.

Research proves that vitamin D protects the body against serious diseases like cancer, heart failures, stroke and the diseases of the mind like depression more than other vitamins do. A good source of vitamin D is the exposure of the arms and legs to sunlight for ten to fifteen minutes. Age and the skin color affect the rate at which the skin receives Vitamin D from sunlight.

Older people above 65 years of age generate vitamin D four times the people in their twenties while the dark skinned people produce about half the levels of vitamin D in their blood compared to the white skinned people. Ultra Violet light is the one that generates vitamin D when in contact with the body. However, the UVB light might be blocked by the sunscreens (Komaroff 1).

Research shows that engaging in outdoor activities enables human beings especially children to get more exercise. Researchers from Britain argue that a child who engages in outdoor activities is double active than those engaging in indoor activities. This research was undertaken using machines that track the movement of 1,000 children throughout the day.

It is advisable that one engages in those activities that keep the body in motion for a good body exercise for example walking, hiking, biking, gardening, and cleaning up the yard among other vigorous activities. A good exercise is good for the growth and development of a child (Komaroff 2).

Research shows that human beings become happy if they exercise in outdoor activities. Natural light tends to boost people’s mood and the only place one can access natural light is by moving out of the enclosures. Physical activities relax and cheer up people. Spending time outdoors makes an individual more proactive, cheerful and initiates a happy mood.

Researchers call the practice of exercising the body in the presence of nature as the “green exercise”. Such exercises are significant to the growth and development of the mind. Researchers from England argue that engaging in a green exercise for at least five minutes improves self-esteem, enjoyment and mood (Komaroff 2). Outdoor activities have the mental benefits such as the overall stress reduction.

Thinking capacity also tends to improve through improvement of attention that enhances connectivity in the brain and allows people to have good focus. Workouts also give one an opportunity to be joyous (Sisson 2). Spending time outdoor improves concentration. Children with emotional and mental disorders tend to experience the feeling of depression, lack of concentration and are not hyperactive.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children causes lack of concentration when they are subjected to too much work indoors. Research shows that such children will have better focus and improved concentration if subjected to the outdoor activities. Studies show that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) perform better in examinations after a scenery walk through a park than after an indoor walk in the neighborhood.

Other studies show that outdoor exercises have positive effects on children with ADHD. Adults who have a shorter span of concentration also experience this condition and engaging in outdoor activities may solve this (Komaroff 3). Spending time in an open natural setting drastically decreases the symptoms of ADHD, mental and behavioral disorders in children.

Workouts in a natural environment offer an emotional and behavioral release for the people with depression while the challenges faced during the adventure in outdoor activities help in regaining trust, self-confidence and improved self-esteem (Sisson 2).

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh showed that patients with spinal surgery might heal faster when exposed to the natural light. When they are under medication, they tend to experience pain and stress. Another study reported that when a patient views outside through the window it has a positive impact on the healing process. This is due to the fresh air coming in from the window (Komaroff 3).

Other studies have also shown that, spending leisure time in nature decreases prevalence to diseases such as blood pressure, heart failure, and sympathetic nerve activity. The anti-cancer protein and natural killer cells increase over time to prevent the infection and the growth of the cancer cells.

Body exercises done outdoors in green and blue natural, water like swimming enhance the growth of such body protective cells. Studies have also proved that engaging in outdoor activities increases body energy, more positive hyperactivity, less depression, anger reduction, less confusion, and reduced stress as compared to the indoor workouts (Sisson 1).

Spending time outdoor means going outside the enclosed setting to a natural space where one gets enough time to adventure what is new in the natural setting. Researches proof that engaging in outdoor activities is beneficial for the growth and development of the physical and mental wellbeing of an individual. In children, spending time outdoor prevents the emotional and behavioral disorders.

A lot of research has been done to counter the claims that indoor activities play the same role as those by the outdoor activities in the physical and mental health of an individual such as the cost and the trouble associated with indoors. For a healthy living, both the children and the adults must be engaged in the outdoor activities in the natural setting such as rivers, mountains and forests.

Komaroff, Anthony. A Prescription for Better Health: Go alfresco. Boston : Harvard Health Publications, 2012. Print.

Sisson, Mark. The Rich and Measurable Benefits of Spending More Time in Nature . Oxnard: Mark’s Daily Apple, 2012. Print.

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English Compositions

Short Essay on Importance of Outdoor Games [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

In today’s session, you will learn how to write short essays on the Importance Of Outdoor Games. There will be three sets of essays in this session, covering different word limits. 

Short Essay on Importance of Outdoor Games in 100 Words

Playing outdoor games like cricket, football, basketball and badminton are known to benefit our physical and mental health. It improves blood flow, strengthens our muscles, improves our immunity and stamina, relaxes our body and mind, helps us stay focused and keeps us fit.

Playing outdoors also allows us to get some sunlight which in turn, helps the body produce vitamin D and strengthens our bones. Spending time in nature refreshes our mood and keeps us happy. Playing together with other people also teaches us social skills and helps us understand the meaning and value of team spirit, trust and working together as a unit. Outdoor games help in the overall growth and development of children and also keep people of all ages healthy. 

Short Essay on Importance of Outdoor Games in 200 Words

Today, with the advancement of technology, life has become easier and whatever we need is just a click away. This has made people adopt a sedentary lifestyle and they are reluctant to step out from the comfort of their homes.

People stay glued to their phones, computers and television screens all day long and they seem to have forgotten the joy of going out, playing outdoor games like cricket, hockey, football and badminton, and enjoying with real people. This sedentary lifestyle has resulted in people falling sick more often, lacking energy, lacking social skills and becoming distant from the people in their lives and social circles. 

Playing outdoor games is known to benefit our physical and mental health. It improves blood flow, strengthens our muscles, improves our stamina and immunity, provides relaxation to our body and mind, helps us stay focused and keeps our body weight in check.

Playing outdoors also gives us the opportunity to get some sunlight which in turn, helps the body produce vitamin D and strengthens our bones. Spending time in nature also refreshes our mood and keeps us happy. Playing together with other people also teaches us social skills and helps us understand the meaning and value of team spirit, trust and working together as a unit. 

Outdoor games are fun and help us stay healthy and fit. We all should take time out to go outdoors and play games. 

Short Essay on Importance of Outdoor Games in 400 Words

In today’s world, as technology has made connecting with each other and staying entertained so easy, people have adopted a sedentary lifestyle. Most people stay glued to their phones, computers or television screens all day long and hardly move around.

They seem to have forgotten the joy of going outdoors and playing games with their friends. This sedentary lifestyle has resulted in people falling sick more often, lacking energy and stamina, lacking social skills and becoming distant from the people in their lives and social circles. 

When we were kids, we used to go out every day, meet our friends and play games like cricket, badminton, football, volleyball, tennis, kho-kho and hide and seek. We ran behind each other, laughed crazily and enjoyed our time. Outdoor games kept us active and helped us stay fit and in good health. Today, with technology, our lifestyles have changed and we don’t find the motivation to engage in physical activities. This is something that is going to harm us in the long run. 

Playing outdoors also gives us the opportunity to get some sunlight which in turn, helps the body produce vitamin D and strengthens our bones. Spending time in nature also refreshes our mood and keeps us happy. It is observed that this can benefit people suffering from depression and other mental health issues as well. 

Children playing outdoor games learn new things and develop a problem-solving attitude. It helps in their overall growth and development. Playing together with other people also teaches us social skills and helps us understand the meaning and value of team spirit, trust and working together as a unit. 

Today, governments and private institutions everywhere are encouraging people to become physically more active as well as play outdoor games. More and more parks, grounds and stadiums are being built. Outdoor games are being promoted.

Doctors are advising people to go outside and play as well. It is one of the best things that we can do for ourselves. If one is interested and skilled in playing a certain game like cricket, hockey or football, one can even make that their career and become a professional player. Playing outdoor games is very important and we should encourage everyone to play. 

In this lesson today, I have adopted a very simplistic approach to writing these essays for a better understanding of all kinds of students. Still, if you have any doubts regarding this session, you can mention that in the comment section below. If you want to read more such important essays, keep browsing our website. 

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Research Highlights Importance of Outdoor Activity and Connection to Nature

A new publication by NCSU graduate student Brent Jackson and SE CASC Faculty Affiliates Lincoln Larson , Nils Peterson , Erin Seekamp , and Kathryn Stevenson was recently published in the journal, Sustainability. This publication, Connection to Nature Boosts Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic , summarizes research by the SE CASC’s Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy Working Group . The following news release was written by Laura Oleniacz for the NC State News website and can be viewed here . 

Outdoor Activity Tied to Mental Health of Teens, Young Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic

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Outdoor activities have a profound impact on our well-being. In this section, we’ll uncover the positive effects of immersing ourselves in nature. From the environmental benefits to the safety measures, we’ll explore the various aspects of outdoor activities that contribute to our overall health and happiness. So grab your gear and get ready to discover why venturing into the great outdoors is not only good for you but also for the environment.

Impact of the Outdoors

Time spent in nature has a great influence on people’s wellbeing. Taking part in outdoor activities gives many benefits, both physically and mentally. Studies have demonstrated that outdoor time can reduce the danger of long-term illnesses and lift mood, while decreasing stress. Plus, outdoor activities lead to better sleep quality. Who needs a therapist when you’ve got nature? Outdoor activities offer mental health advantages that even Freud couldn’t figure out.

Environmental Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Engaging in outdoor activities offers more than just personal benefits: they have environmental advantages too! By spending time outdoors, like camping, hiking, or walking in a park, we notice the natural beauty around us and develop a deeper understanding of the environment. Our commitment to conservation is also boosted, as is our determination to employ eco-friendly means of transport. As a result, air pollution and carbon emissions are reduced, which benefits both our health and our surroundings.

Moreover, outdoor activities help us grasp the intricate details of the natural world that can’t be found inside. By exploring different ecosystems, we get to witness the interconnectedness of all living things.

So why not take the plunge and enjoy all the positive aspects of the great outdoors? Not only do we benefit ourselves, but we also ensure that future generations can also appreciate our planet. Don’t be afraid of venturing out – the only thing more frightening than outdoor activities is missing out on them! Get out there and make a difference in your life and the health of our planet today.

Safety and Precautions for Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities have lots of advantages for your wellbeing. So, safety must come first!

• Prep is key. Research the place, check the weather and take the right gear.
• Keep an eye out for hazards such as uneven ground, slippery surfaces and wild animals.
• Obey any rules or regulations from authorities or organisations.

Safety must be a priority when enjoying outdoor activities. Be prepared, aware and follow the rules. This will reduce the risks and give you all the benefits! Ready to ditch the gym? Get your dose of vitamin D and fresh air with outdoor activities!

Physical Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Engaging in outdoor activities has numerous physical health benefits. In this section, we will explore how outdoor activities can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, boost mood and reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. The benefits associated with these activities provide compelling reasons to incorporate them into our daily lives, contributing to our overall well-being and vitality.

Reduce Chronic Illness Risk

Outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, and cycling have been found to lower the risk of chronic illnesses. They also help maintain good physical health.

• Cardiovascular exercises reduce the chance of diseases such as heart disease, stroke or diabetes.
• Natural sunlight provides Vitamin D, which can help prevent osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, and some types of cancer.
• Fresh air and natural environment help reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants which can cause respiratory diseases such as asthma or allergies.

It is important to include outdoor activities in everyday life to benefit from them. Safety measures should be taken to ensure a safe experience, like wearing protective gear, staying hydrated and being aware of any potential hazards.

Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress

Outdoor activities can lift your mood and reduce stress levels. Studies have shown that being outside can make you happier and calmer, and lessen anxiety and depression . The fresh air, physical activity, and natural environments all contribute to these effects. Plus, taking a break from everyday life and immersing yourself in nature’s beauty can give you a sense of escape and tranquility.

Outdoor activities provide a break from normal pressures. The natural setting relaxes, so it’s good for stress relief . Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or do yoga on the beach. Disconnect from screens, noises, and distractions.

Mood-boosting physical activity is another way outdoor activities reduce stress. Exercise releases endorphins – feel-good chemicals in the brain. So get outside and walk, jog, cycle, or play sports . Natural sunlight helps create vitamin D , which is linked to better mental health.

Outdoor activities help your sleep too. Enjoy the benefits of nature !

Improved Sleep Quality

Benefits of outdoor activities include better sleep quality. Nature’s calming effects relax and reduce stress, promoting deeper sleep. Sunlight during the day helps regulate the body’s clock, leading to better sleep patterns. Being active in the outdoors tires the body, helping you drift off faster. Plus, the fresh air and oxygen in nature can improve respiratory health, boosting overall sleep quality.

Disconnect from tech and step outside – outdoor activities help break the cycle of poor sleep. Though it takes time, consistency is key. Many have found relief from sleep issues after embracing outdoor activities such as evening walks or starry sky camping trips. Research continues to explore the connection between outdoor activities and sleep, and many report positive experiences. Nature is the ultimate therapist – no couch needed!

Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Engaging in outdoor activities has a profound impact on our mental health. In this section, we will explore the specific mental health benefits that outdoor activities offer. From reducing depression and anxiety to alleviating stress and improving overall mental wellness, these activities have the potential to enhance our well-being. Let’s dive into the evidence-backed facts and findings that highlight the positive effects of outdoor activities on our mental health.

Reduce Depression and Anxiety

Incorporating outdoor activities into one’s routine can be an effective way to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms . Hiking, gardening, and spending time in a park can provide tranquility and peace. Natural surroundings, fresh air, and sunlight can have a calming effect on the mind. This improves mental well-being .

Physical exercise during outdoor activities triggers the release of endorphins . These are “feel-good” hormones . They can improve mood and reduce stress. This can help reduce depression and anxiety.

Being outdoors allows individuals to disconnect from technology and stressors . This break from constant connectivity can give the mind a much-needed rest. This can help reduce depression and anxiety.

In conclusion, self-care by engaging in outdoor activities can have a positive impact on mental health. Taking the time to connect with nature and incorporate these experiences into one’s routine can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. This improves overall well-being.

Reduce Stress and Improve Mental Wellness

Outdoor activities can reduce stress and boost mental wellness . They help people relax and escape from the pressures of technology. Plus, the calming natural environment can ease stress and anxiety.

Walking in the park, going for a hike, or sitting by a lake or beach can give a sense of peace. Furthermore, it allows them to focus on the present moment, improve concentration, and enhance overall mental well-being .

Moreover, outdoor activities often involve social interactions. Joining outdoor clubs or playing team sports provide chances for connection and socializing. These can boost mood, decrease loneliness or isolation, and increase overall happiness.

In conclusion, outdoor activities are an effective way to reduce stress and improve mental wellness . Spending time in nature helps people find solace from the pressures of daily life, while enjoying the benefits of being outdoors.

Social Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Engaging in outdoor activities offers a range of benefits for well-being, particularly in terms of social connections. In this section, we will explore how outdoor activities enhance social interactions, fostering meaningful connections and a sense of community. Discover how spending time outdoors can promote social well-being and create opportunities for camaraderie, collaboration, and shared experiences.

Enhance Social Interactions

Engaging in outdoor activities offers the chance to socialize and build relationships. These activities provide a platform to meet people with similar interests, creating camaraderie and belonging.

• Hikes or team sports encourage teamwork, allowing individuals to form bonds with peers.
• Fitness classes or yoga offer an environment to meet new people and make connections.
• Outdoor events bring people together, inspiring social engagement.
• Exploring nature with friends or family promotes quality time, strengthening communication and relationships.
• Outdoor recreational activities create shared experiences and lifelong memories.
• Volunteering for environmental conservation connects like-minded people who are passionate about making a positive change.

These interactions bring enjoyment and personal growth. By participating in outdoor activities that involve socializing, individuals can develop interpersonal skills, gain confidence, and expand their network.

Connecting with others through outdoor activities brings communities closer, fostering unity and purpose. It allows people to talk, exchange ideas, learn from each other, and make friends. This enhances society by promoting inclusivity, empathy, and cooperation.

Seeking opportunities to socialize outdoors provides countless rewards. Whether joining a hiking club or attending outdoor community events, being proactive in connecting with others while enjoying nature can lead to a more fulfilled life. So go outside, connect, and experience the joy of socializing!

Take a break from therapy and just go for a hike in the fresh air instead!

Engaging in outdoor activities has numerous benefits for our overall well-being. In this section, we will delve into the environmental advantages of these activities, specifically focusing on how they allow us to connect with nature. By immersing ourselves in the beauty of the outdoors, we can reap the rewards of improved mental health, enhanced physical fitness, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us. So, let’s explore the ways in which outdoor activities provide us with an enriching and transformative experience in nature.

Connect with Nature

Connecting with nature is a key part of outdoor activities that brings numerous benefits to overall wellbeing. It enables individuals to immerse themselves in the beauty and calmness of the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding of their environment. One can achieve this connection through various activities, such as hiking, camping, or simply spending time in parks or natural reserves.

• Spending time outdoors allows people to disconnect from the fast-paced modern world and reconnect with nature.
• Engaging with nature provides a sense of peacefulness and promotes relaxation, reducing stress and bettering mental health.
• Nature’s sights, sounds, and smells have been found to improve mood, increasing happiness and emotional well-being.
• Connecting with nature also has physical benefits, as it encourages physical activity and provides exposure to sunlight, which supports healthy vitamin D levels.
• Exploring natural landscapes can enhance one’s awareness and understanding of environmental conservation, leading to more sustainable lifestyles.

In addition, connecting with nature stimulates the senses. Individuals can experience the colors of flowers, the sound of waterfalls, the touch of soil under their feet, and even the taste of freshly picked berries. This can evoke a feeling of amazement and joy.

To fully connect with nature, one can engage in mindfulness activities such as sitting quietly by a river or under a tree. Watching wildlife or meditating in natural surroundings further deepens this connection. By immersing oneself in nature without distractions, one can benefit from its healing effects and find solace.

For connecting with nature, one can set aside regular time for outdoor activities like hiking or gardening. This allows individuals to form a routine that prioritizes their connection with nature. Additionally, actively seeking out new environments like national parks or nature reserves can provide varied experiences and expand one’s knowledge of different ecosystems. Engaging in activities that promote environmental conservation, such as beach cleanups or tree planting events, not only encourages a connection with nature but also helps preserve it.

By taking advantage of the opportunity to connect with nature, individuals can benefit from its numerous positive effects on wellbeing. From improving mental and physical health to fostering a sense of environmental stewardship, this connection with nature enhances lives and encourages a deeper appreciation for the world around us. Remember to wear sunscreen to avoid getting too much sun.

Outdoor activities can be lots of fun, but safety must always come first! Here are five tips to help you stay safe:

• 1. Learn the environment: Research the location beforehand. Check the terrain, weather and wildlife.
• 2. Wear the right gear: Use the right gear and clothing for the activity and weather. Wear a helmet, protective gear and proper shoes.
• 3. Stay hydrated and fed: Bring enough water and snacks to keep your energy up. Dehydration and lack of nutrition can cause fatigue and accidents.
• 4. Plan and communicate: Let someone know your plans. Stick to paths and trails to avoid getting lost.
• 5. Be prepared: Carry a basic first aid kit and learn how to give first aid. Know how to respond to an emergency, like calling for help or doing CPR.

Safety is key for outdoor activities. Following these tips can make your outdoor experience safer and more enjoyable.

Popular Outdoor Activities for Well-being

Outdoor activities are known for their positive impacts on well-being. Engaging in them not only helps maintain physical fitness, but boosts mental health too. Spending time in nature and doing outdoor activities has many advantages and contributes to overall well-being.

Exploring nature: Hikes, nature walks, or camping trips can provide a sense of peace. Seeing the beauty of the natural environment and breathing in the fresh air can calm the mind and lower stress.

Outdoor sports and recreational activities: Cycling, swimming, or playing frisbee are great for physical health and promote fulfillment and happiness. Doing these popular outdoor activities lets people enjoy the outdoors while improving overall well-being.

Gardening and nature-related hobbies: Gardening or birdwatching or photography can have a good effect on well-being. These activities let individuals connect with nature, increasing relaxation and mental health.

Mindfulness in natural environments: Practicing yoga or meditation outdoors helps connect with oneself and the surroundings. Doing mindfulness exercises in outdoor settings centers individuals and brings inner peace.

Outdoor group activities: Team sports, group hikes, or outdoor fitness classes promote physical fitness and a sense of community. Doing these popular outdoor activities can raise self-esteem and overall well-being.

Adventure and thrill-seeking activities: Rock climbing, kayaking, or zip-lining create excitement and an adrenaline rush. These activities let people step out of their comfort zones, promoting personal growth and well-being.

Outdoor activities also improve problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. Plus, they offer a break from technology-driven lives, allowing individuals to reconnect with the natural world and form lasting memories.

Therefore, outdoor activities are beneficial for well-being and a healthier lifestyle.

Tips for Incorporating Outdoor Activities into Daily Life

Incorporating outdoor activities into daily life can have amazing perks for wellbeing . Not only does it provide physical exercise, but it also helps with mental and emotional wellbeing. Time in nature can reduce stress, raise mood, and sharpen cognitive function . Plus, outdoor activities can enhance socializing and deepen connection to nature. Here are a few tips:

• Take regular walks or jogs around your neighborhood or local park. This helps get fresh air, stretch your legs, and clear your mind.
• Find outdoor hobbies or sports that you enjoy. This could be hiking, cycling, gardening, or playing a team sport. It will make outdoor time more enjoyable and sustainable.
• Set goals and challenges. For instance, explore new hiking trails or ride a certain distance on your bike each week. This adds excitement and motivation.
• Make outdoor activities a social event. Invite friends or family members to join you for a walk or picnic. This will enhance relationships and make outdoor activities more fun.
• Take advantage of outdoor spaces during work or study breaks. Instead of staying indoors, step outside to get fresh air and stretch. This improves focus and productivity.

Remember, everyone’s preferences and schedules differ. Therefore, find outdoor activities that fit your interests and lifestyle. Incorporating outdoor activities into your daily routine can bring nature’s benefits to your wellbeing.

Also, take extra steps to enrich your outdoor experience. Explore parks, forests, or beaches for variety. Disconnect from technology to fully immerse yourself in nature. Incorporating outdoor activities into daily life can significantly boost your wellbeing. By following these tips and finding outdoor activities that resonate with you, you can prioritize your health and happiness. So go out and make the most of the great outdoors!

Incorporating outdoor activities into one’s lifestyle can have various benefits on overall well-being. Research has displayed that engaging in outdoor activities has a positive effect on mental health, physical health, and life satisfaction . Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced levels of stress and anxiety, improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, and more physical exercise . It offers an opportunity to disconnect from technology and daily life, allowing individuals to recharge and revitalize. Plus, outdoor activities encourage social interaction and connect individuals with their natural environment, promoting a sense of belonging and connectedness. These findings indicate the importance of incorporating outdoor activities into one’s lifestyle to enhance overall well-being.

Incorporating outdoor activities into one’s daily routine can have substantial benefits. Research suggests that being in natural environments can improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Nature allows individuals to experience a sense of peacefulness, which can lead to improved mood and overall wellbeing. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature provide a soothing effect, helping people relax and reduce stress levels. Additionally, engaging in outdoor activities often involves physical activity, which has been associated with numerous health advantages. Regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce the risk of chronic ailments. By engaging in outdoor activities, individuals can enjoy the benefits of both nature and physical activity, leading to improved well-being.

In addition to the mental and physical advantages, outdoor activities offer unique opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. Nature gives a background for individuals to ponder their lives, set objectives, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Outdoor activities such as hiking or camping can challenge individuals both physically and mentally, developing resilience and personal progress. Moreover, being in nature allows individuals to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, cultivating a sense of admiration and gratitude. This connection to nature has been revealed to upgrade overall well-being and promote a sense of environmental stewardship. Overall, engaging in outdoor activities not only enhances mental and physical well-being but also provides opportunities for personal growth and a stronger connection to the natural world.

To sum up, incorporating outdoor activities into one’s lifestyle is key to improving overall well-being. The research supports the many benefits that outdoor activities have on mental health, physical health, and life satisfaction. Spending time in nature allows individuals to disconnect from technology and daily demands, leading to decreased stress and increased revitalization. Furthermore, outdoor activities promote social interaction and a sense of belonging, fostering a closer connection with the natural environment. Being in natural environments improves mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, while physical movement improves physical well-being. Outdoor activities also offer opportunities for personal growth, reflection, and a sense of awe and gratitude towards the natural world. By incorporating outdoor activities into one’s lifestyle, individuals can improve their mental, physical, and overall well-being.

Some Facts About The Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Well-being:

• ✅ Spending time outdoors in nature can improve both physical and mental health. (Source: Team Research)
• ✅ Sunlight can improve sleep and help ease depression symptoms. (Source: Team Research)
• ✅ Exercising in green spaces can make physical activity more enjoyable and provide opportunities for socializing. (Source: Team Research)
• ✅ Exposure to microorganisms in nature can help strengthen the immune system. (Source: Team Research)
• ✅ Regular time spent outdoors, especially in nature, can improve physical and emotional wellness and strengthen the bond with the natural world. (Source: Team Research)

FAQs about The Benefits Of Outdoor Activities For Well-Being

What are the benefits of outdoor activities for well-being.

Engaging in outdoor activities has numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Spending time in nature can improve physical health by boosting the immune system, reducing the risk of respiratory concerns, and promoting an active lifestyle. It also provides mental health benefits such as reducing stress, fighting depression and anxiety, improving mood and self-esteem, and allowing the mind to rest and practice mindfulness.

How does spending time outdoors benefit cardiovascular disease?

Being outdoors and participating in physical activities in nature can have positive effects on cardiovascular health. Outdoor exercise, with its fresh air and green environment, improves sleep quality, reduces stress levels, cortisol levels, and muscle tension, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, access to green spaces motivates people to exercise more, leading to higher levels of fitness and overall improved health.

Can outdoor activities help in reducing the effects of intrusive stimuli while social distancing?

Yes, outdoor activities can be beneficial in reducing the effects of intrusive stimuli, particularly during social distancing measures. The natural environment puts your mind at ease and provides a mental and emotional refuge from the indoor world. Spending time outdoors in nature, away from the distractions of flat-screen TVs and indoor noise, allows your mind to rest and decompress, promoting relaxation and improved focus.

How do outdoor activities contribute to a reduced risk of mental illness?

Engaging in outdoor activities, especially in green spaces, has been shown to reduce the risk of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. The combination of being in nature, getting direct sunlight, and engaging in physical exercise helps fight depression and anxiety. Studies have demonstrated improvements in mood and self-esteem, as well as faster psychological stress recovery, among individuals who spend time in nature.

What are the benefits of outdoor green spaces for communities?

Outdoor green spaces offer numerous benefits to communities. They reduce environmental stressors like air pollution, noise, and heat, benefiting the health of all community members. Access to nature promotes social connection, bringing people together and improving relationships. Green spaces also have positive effects on neighborhood crime rates, with cleaning and greening vacant city lots leading to reduced crime and decreased feelings of depression among nearby residents.

How does spending time in nature contribute to the overall wellness of individuals?

Spending time in nature supports overall wellness by benefiting both the mind and body. It increases life expectancy, improves sleep quality, reduces the risk of diseases such as cancer, and strengthens mental capacities such as focus and attention. Additionally, nature provides a venue for social connection and brings communities together. Engaging in outdoor activities contributes to an active lifestyle and helps individuals maintain their physical and mental well-being.

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IELTS Essay: Outdoor Activities

by Dave | Real Past Tests | 7 Comments

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the real exam on the topic of outdoor activities.

If you want to support my efforts to write these essays and also receive my exclusive Ebooks, check out my Patreon (where I’m currently running a discount)!

Some think that it is more important for children to engage in outdoor activities instead of playing videogames.

To what extent to you agree or disagree?

Many believe that children today play too many videogames and should instead spend more time outdoors. In my opinion, though the former diversion is more educational than in years past, the full scope of the latter makes it preferable.

Advocates of gaming point out their recent evolution. This goes beyond more realistic graphics and includes the topics and types of games now available. Many games today are essentially a cinematic experience, with fully realised characters and themes that rival other great works of art. In this way, games are as educational as more respected art forms such as novels and films. Moreover, not all games are passive. There are more and more games every year that require creative and logical thinking, such as puzzles and text based mysteries. The developers of the newest apps available for phones now take advantage of improving hardware to push forward the medium and engage the mind.

Nonetheless, the games mentioned above are the exceptions and the benefits of outdoor play are greater in general. The most obvious advantage is the effect on heath. The world is facing an obesity epidemic that is at least partly driven by more sedentary lifestyles centered around consumer electronics and gaming. Going outside is a natural antidote and can instill in children good habits that will promote a healthy life later. Additionally, outdoor activities offer the opportunity for children to engage in a social activity. Most games are, to varying degrees, an individual experience but playing with others outside will foster teamwork and improved interpersonal skills.

In conclusion, games can be worthwhile but they rarely have more value than going outside. It is therefore important that parents strive to limit children’s screen time.

1. Many believe that children today play too many videogames and should instead spend more time outdoors. 2. In my opinion, though the former diversion is more educational than in years past, the full scope of the latter makes it preferable.

• Paraphrase the essay topic.
• Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Advocates of gaming point out their recent evolution. 2. This goes beyond more realistic graphics and includes the topics and types of games now available. 3. Many games today are essentially a cinematic experience, with fully realised characters and themes that rival other great works of art. 4. In this way, games are as educational as more respected art forms such as novels and films. 5. Moreover, not all games are passive. 6. There are more and more games every year that require creative and logical thinking, such as puzzles and text based mysteries. 7. The developers of the newest apps available for phones now take advantage of improving hardware to push forward the medium and engage the mind.

• Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
• Explain your main idea.
• Develop the idea.
• Finish developing it.
• Transition to a related idea.
• Develop that idea.
• Conclude with the furthest result/development.

1. Nonetheless, the games mentioned above are the exceptions and the benefits of outdoor play are greater in general. 2. The most obvious advantage is the effect on heath. 3. The world is facing an obesity epidemic that is at least partly driven by more sedentary lifestyles centered around consumer electronics and gaming. 4. Going outside is a natural antidote and can instill in children good habits that will promote a healthy life later. 5. Additionally, outdoor activities offer the opportunity for children to engage in a social activity. 6. Most games are, to varying degrees, an individual experience but playing with others outside will foster teamwork and improved interpersonal skills.

• Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
• Use specific examples.
• Develop them fully.
• Add in a related idea.
• Develop it.

1. In conclusion, games can be worthwhile but they rarely have more value than going outside. 2. It is therefore important that parents strive to limit children’s screen time.

• Summarise your ideas and repeat your opinion.
• Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here .

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many believe that children today play too many videogames and should instead spend more time outdoors. In my opinion, though the former diversion is more educational than in years past , the full scope of the latter makes it preferable .

Advocates of gaming point out their recent evolution . This goes beyond more realistic graphics and includes the topics and types of games now available . Many games today are essentially a cinematic experience , with fully realised characters and themes that rival other great works of art. In this way , games are as educational as more respected art forms such as novels and films. Moreover , not all games are passive . There are more and more games every year that require creative and logical thinking , such as puzzles and text based mysteries . The developers of the newest apps available for phones now take advantage of improving hardware to push forward the medium and engage the mind .

Nonetheless , the games mentioned above are the exceptions and the benefits of outdoor play are greater in general . The most obvious advantage is the effect on heath. The world is facing an obesity epidemic that is at least partly driven by more sedentary lifestyles centered around consumer electronics and gaming. Going outside is a natural antidote and can instill in children good habits that will promote a healthy life later . Additionally , outdoor activities offer the opportunity for children to engage in a social activity . Most games are, to varying degrees , an individual experience but playing with others outside will foster teamwork and improved interpersonal skills .

In conclusion, games can be worthwhile but they rarely have more value than going outside. It is therefore important that parents strive to limit children’s screen time .

instead rather than

though despite

former diversion one mentioned before distraction

educational help you learn

in years past in the past

full scope entire range

the latter one mentioned last

preferable better

advocates supporters

point out argue

evolution changes

goes beyond passes

realistic graphics better images

now available out now

essentially fundamentally

cinematic experience like a movie

fully realised characters realistic characters

themes what the game wants to say/express

rival compare well with

in this way like this

educational helps you learn

more respected art forms highly revered arts

moreover also

passive not active

more and more increasing

creative expressive

logical thinking rational thinking

puzzles problems to solve

text based mysteries games based on writing

developers people who make games

take advantage exploit

improving hardware better phones, computers, etc.

push forward drive innovation

medium type of device

engage the mind must think about

nonetheless regardless

mentioned above written about before

exceptions outside the norm

greater in general larger overall

most obvious advantage clearest benefit

world is facing Earth is grappling with

obesity epidemic people getting fatter

at least partly driven by up to a point somewhat the source of

sedentary lifestyles not active

centered around have to do with

consumer electronics phones, computers, etc.

natural antidote clear remedy

instill teach

good habits good actions

promote a healthy life later be healthy throughout life

additionally also

offer the opportunity for allow for

engage in have to do with

social activity talking with others

to varying degrees to different extents

individual experience done alone

foster teamwork encourage working together

improved interpersonal skills better communication with others

worthwhile useful

rarely not often

therefore thus

strive try for

limit keep contained

screen time using phones, tablets, computers, etc.

Pronunciation

ɪnˈstɛd   ðəʊ   ˈfɔːmə daɪˈvɜːʃən   ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃənl   ɪn jɪəz pɑːst   fʊl skəʊp   ðə ˈlætə   ˈprɛfərəbl   ˈædvəkɪts   pɔɪnt aʊt   ˌiːvəˈluːʃən   gəʊz bɪˈjɒnd   rɪəˈlɪstɪk ˈgræfɪks   naʊ əˈveɪləbl ɪˈsɛnʃəli   sɪnəˈmætɪk ɪksˈpɪərɪəns   ˈfʊli ˈrɪəlaɪzd ˈkærɪktəz   θiːmz   ˈraɪvəl   ɪn ðɪs weɪ ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃənl   mɔː rɪsˈpɛktɪd ɑːt fɔːmz   mɔːˈrəʊvə ˈpæsɪv mɔːr ænd mɔː   kri(ː)ˈeɪtɪv   ˈlɒʤɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ   ˈpʌzlz   tɛkst beɪst ˈmɪstəriz dɪˈvɛləpəz   teɪk ədˈvɑːntɪʤ   ɪmˈpruːvɪŋ ˈhɑːdweə   pʊʃ ˈfɔːwəd   ˈmiːdiəm   ɪnˈgeɪʤ ðə maɪnd ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs ˈmɛnʃənd əˈbʌv   ɪkˈsɛpʃənz   ˈgreɪtər ɪn ˈʤɛnərəl məʊst ˈɒbvɪəs ədˈvɑːntɪʤ   wɜːld ɪz ˈfeɪsɪŋ   əʊˈbiːsɪti ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk   æt liːst ˈpɑːtli ˈdrɪvn baɪ   ˈsɛdntəri ˈlaɪfˌstaɪlz   ˈsɛntəd əˈraʊnd   kənˈsjuːmər ɪlɛkˈtrɒnɪks   ˈnæʧrəl ˈæntɪdəʊt   ɪnˈstɪl   gʊd ˈhæbɪts   prəˈməʊt ə ˈhɛlθi laɪf ˈleɪtə əˈdɪʃənli ˈɒfə ði ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti fɔː   ɪnˈgeɪʤ ɪn   ˈsəʊʃəl ækˈtɪvɪti tuː ˈveəriɪŋ dɪˈgriːz , ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl ɪksˈpɪərɪəns   ˈfɒstə ˈtiːmwɜːk   ɪmˈpruːvd ˌɪntəˈpɜːsən(ə)l skɪlz ˈwɜːθˈwaɪl   ˈreəli   ˈðeəfɔː   straɪv   ˈlɪmɪt   skriːn taɪm

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many believe that children today play too many videogames and should i________d spend more time outdoors. In my opinion, t__________h the f_______________n is more e____________l than i_____________t , the f___________e of t______________r makes it p_____________e .

A___________s of gaming p_________t their recent e___________n . This g________________d more r_________________s and includes the topics and types of games n__________________e . Many games today are e________________y a c______________________e , with f______________________s and t__________s that r______l other great works of art. I______________y , games are as e___________________l as m___________________s such as novels and films. M___________r , not all games are p____________e . There are m________________e games every year that require c___________e and l__________________g , such as p____________s and t_______________________s . The d______________s of the newest apps available for phones now t______________________e of i_____________________e to p_________________d the m____________m and e____________________d .

N______________s , the games m__________________e are the e_______________s and the benefits of outdoor play are g____________________l . The m______________________________e is the effect on heath. The w_________________g an o__________________c that is a________________________y more s_____________________s c___________________d c______________________s and gaming. Going outside is a n___________________e and can i__________l in children g_______________s that will p_____________________________r . A______________y , outdoor activities o________________________r children to e__________n a s_______________y . Most games are, t____________________s , an i____________________e but playing with others outside will f______________________k and i___________________________s .

In conclusion, games can be w_______________e but they r_________y have more value than going outside. It is t______________e important that parents s_________e to l_______t children’s s________________e .

Listening Practice

Listen below and use the activities in here to practice:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and practice with these ideas :

https://www.wired.com/2009/08/simpleoutdoorplay/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

• What sport do you like?
• Do you prefer team or individual sports?
• Who is your favourite sports star?
• What is the most popular sport in your country?

Writing Practice

Write about this related topic and check with my sample answer:

Many feel that going to the gym is the best way to stay fit. Others think there are more effective methods.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Gym/Exercise (General Training)

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Many believe that outdoor activities should be prioritized over videogames.In my opinion,although computer games boost creativity,outdoor hobbies enrich interpersonal relationships.

Proponents of gaming argue initiative concepts lying behind these entertainments as a superiority.One of these concepts relate to mind interference to solve dilemmas in the games.For example,when one plays call of duty game,he should concentrate on finding an appropriate way to pass sophisticated challenges to win the battle.Thus,both hemisphere work together and full brain efficiency is the following outcome.As most daily life activities require prompt reaction and games simulate real situation,so some reckon them as a positive trend.

Nonetheless,the games mentioned above are not comprehensive and the favorable effects of physical outdoor activities on communications are greater generally.Firstly,people have social instinct and lonliness is the consequence of devoting long hours infront of computers or mobile phones and playing.Researchers have shown that EQ, Emotional Quotient,plays the fundamental role in individuals prosperity.EQ is understanding and managing self and others emotion to communicate better with them.In addition,this capability is just achieved by increasing social connections through outdoor activities.Therefore,being fortune and prosperous would only be gained only if individuals invest in interpersonal relations by spending more time outdoors.

To sum up,having more outdoor activities in lieu of indoor ones are a greater contributor to achieve success.Hence,orienting children to socialize by participating in teamwork would definitely lead to desirable results.

Hi Dave,I haven’t mentioned ‘children’ in my introduction,does it make the whole essay off topic?

Hi,would you please guide me

I really like your style of teaching.

Thank you, Zari!

Haha thanks!

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Essay On Outdoor Games – 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay

Key Points to Remember When Writing Essay on Outdoor Games 

10 lines on outdoor games, a paragraph on outdoor games, short essay on outdoor games, long essay on outdoor games, what will your child learn from outdoor games essay.

Writing an essay often takes us on a journey of discovery, allowing us to share our thoughts and feelings about a particular topic. Among these topics, the essay on outdoor games in English stands out for its rich content. Essays not only help us to express ourselves but also enrich our knowledge. Especially concerning outdoor games, it reminds us of our childhood, the golden days under the sun, and the many life lessons these games taught us. The benefits of  essay writing  are manifold, from enhancing our language skills to helping us introspect. When the topic is as riveting as outdoor games, it becomes a delightful experience.

When writing about the vibrant world of outdoor games, it’s crucial to hit the right notes to create a captivating and authentic narrative. Here are some key pointers to help you craft your outdoor game essay.

• Understand the Importance:  First and foremost, recognise the significance of outdoor games in personal development and society. They’re not just about physical activity; they teach life values, perseverance, and teamwork.
• Be Personal:  Sharing your own experiences can make your essay more relatable. Whether it’s the joy of scoring a goal or the disappointment of a missed opportunity, personal anecdotes bring life to your narrative.
• Highlight the Benefits:  Emphasise the myriad advantages of participating in outdoor games, from physical health improvements to mental well-being and from team spirit to leadership skills.
• Address Challenges:  While outdoor games offer many joys, it’s essential to address challenges as well. These could include issues like the over-commercialisation of sports or the lack of facilities in certain areas.
• Incorporate History and Evolution:  Briefly touch upon the history and evolution of popular games. This adds depth and showcases the timelessness of human engagement with outdoor activities.
• Use Vivid Descriptions:  Use your words to paint a picture. Describing the vibrant atmosphere of a playground or the tension of a match can make readers feel as if they are right there.
• Include Varied Perspectives:  While your personal experiences are essential, consider adding insights from other players, coaches, or spectators to provide a rounded perspective.
• Discuss the Societal Impact:  Delve into how outdoor games influence society, whether by fostering community ties, creating local heroes, or even boosting the economy in some cases.
• Emphasise Lifelong Lessons:  Reiterate the life lessons outdoor games teach, such as resilience, dedication, patience, and the spirit of sportsmanship.
• Conclude With a Personal Touch:  Wrap up your outdoor game essay with a reflective note. You could discuss the changing nature of outdoor games today or express hope for future generations to continue cherishing them.

Remember, every essay is a canvas for your thoughts. While these guidelines can help you follow the right direction, your unique voice and perspective will make your outdoor game essay truly stand out.

Outdoor games have long been the heartbeat of childhood memories and are a significant part of many people’s lives. They’re not just activities but experiences, lessons, and stories waiting to unfold. Here are a few lines that capture their essence and magic.

1. Outdoor games provide the perfect escape from our digital-driven lives, allowing us to connect with nature.

2. They instil qualities like teamwork, discipline, and resilience from a young age.

3. These games are an excellent way for children to enhance their physical fitness and agility.

4. Every outdoor game, such as soccer, cricket, or tennis, has its unique rules and charm.

5. Participating in them can lead to improved concentration and mental strength.

6. Outdoor games often act as social gatherings, fostering community ties and friendships.

7. They offer a break from the monotony of routine, filling one’s day with joy and excitement.

8. They also teach us about competition, determination, and the essence of fair play.

9. Celebrating victories and coping with game defeats prepares us for bigger life challenges.

10. Lastly, outdoor games remind us of the simple joys of life, laughter, and play, which often get overshadowed in adulthood.

With their enticing allure, outdoor games have shaped many of our fondest memories. They serve as a bridge connecting us to nature, to our peers, and even to our innermost selves. Let’s delve a bit deeper into their undeniable charm.

Outdoor games  are a beautiful blend of  physical activity , strategy, and camaraderie. Playing under the open sky, feeling the gentle breeze, or even the intense sun adds a unique dimension to the experience. These games are not just about winning or losing; they celebrate spirit, teamwork, and the sheer joy of participation. From casual weekend matches to intense neighbourhood tournaments, outdoor games bring communities together, fostering friendships and creating memories that last a lifetime. They are an integral part of our cultural tapestry, teaching us valuable life lessons while ensuring we have a good time.

Outdoor games are an age-old tradition that has been the cornerstone of many childhoods and cultural celebrations. Their significance stretches beyond physical activity, touching the realms of personal growth, societal bonding, and holistic development.

In a world increasingly dominated by screens and virtual interactions, outdoor games offer a refreshing respite. They allow children and adults alike to exercise their bodies, minds, and interpersonal skills. The sprawling fields become arenas where strategies are plotted, bonds are forged, and memories are etched. Games like football, cricket, and basketball are not just  sports ; they are platforms that teach teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and the essence of sportsmanship.

Moreover, outdoor games are instrumental in enhancing mental well-being. The sheer joy of playing in nature, under the vast expanse of the sky, has therapeutic qualities, helping reduce stress and anxiety. Communities come together to cheer for local teams or simply enjoy a friendly match in the park. In these moments, differences fade, replaced by a shared love for the game.

In conclusion, outdoor games are not just pastimes. They embody culture, passion, and life lessons. They remind us of the importance of staying active, being part of a community, and cherishing simple joys.

Outdoor games have been an essential aspect of human civilisation for centuries. They represent a tapestry of cultures, histories, and personal narratives. This essay explores the essence of outdoor games, their various types, and their numerous benefits.

What Are Outdoor Games?

As the name suggests, outdoor games are recreational activities primarily played in open spaces, fields, courts, or any designated playing area outdoors. Unlike  indoor games  that rely on boards or other small tools, outdoor games usually require more prominent space and involve physical activity. They are characterised by their ability to unite people in a communal setting and promote competition and cooperation.

Different Types of Outdoor Games

There’s an incredible diversity in outdoor games, each with its distinct flavour and cultural significance.

• Soccer (football):  Known as the ‘beautiful game’, soccer is played between two teams aiming to score goals by propelling a ball into the opposing team’s net. With over 270 million players worldwide, it’s arguably the world’s most popular sport.
• Basketball:  Played on a rectangular court, players aim to shoot a ball through the opponent’s hoop while preventing the opposing team from doing the same. Its origins trace back to Dr. James Naismith in 1891.
• Cricket:  Particularly popular in countries like India, Australia, and England, cricket involves two teams, one trying to score runs while the other bowls and fields, attempting to restrict the scoring and dismiss the players.
• Tennis:  A racquet sport where players or pairs hit a ball over a net, trying to ensure the opponent cannot return it. Grand Slam tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open are hugely popular worldwide.
• Baseball:  Mainly played in the US and Japan, it involves two teams taking turns to bat and field. The batter aims to hit pitches and score runs while the fielding team tries to prevent this.
• Rugby:  A team sport with two teams trying to carry or kick the ball over the end line or into goalposts. Known for its physical intensity, rugby has variations like Rugby Union and Rugby League.
• Hockey:  Played on grass or turf, hockey involves teams using sticks to hit a ball into a net. Field hockey is widespread globally, while ice hockey dominates in countries like Canada and Russia.
• Volleyball:  A game where two teams send a ball over a net, aiming to ground it on the other team’s side. It can be played on various surfaces, including sand, known as beach volleyball.

Benefits of Playing Outdoor Games

1. physical well-being.

Outdoor games promote physical health by enhancing cardiovascular stamina, muscular strength, flexibility, and coordination  (3) .

2. Mental Health

Playing outdoors reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. The combination of physical activity, sunlight, and social interaction acts as a mood elevator  (2) .

3. Life Skills

Outdoor games teach crucial skills like teamwork, leadership, patience, and perseverance. Their competitive nature also teaches players how to gracefully handle wins and losses.

4. Social Interaction

They act as a platform for social interaction, helping individuals forge friendships and understand teamwork. This is especially significant in a world increasingly dominated by screens  (4) .

5. Cultural Significance

Traditional outdoor games connect individuals to their roots and teach them about their heritage and traditions.

6. Connection with Nature

Playing outdoors provides an opportunity to connect with nature. It instils an appreciation for the environment and the importance of sustainability  (1) .

Delving into an essay about outdoor games will give your child a profound appreciation for these activities beyond just play. They will uncover the multifaceted benefits of outdoor games, from physical and mental well-being to the life skills and cultural insights they impart. Additionally, through this exploration, they will grasp the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, blending the digital age’s conveniences with the age-old joys of playing under the open sky.

In essence, outdoor games are invaluable life lessons encapsulated in play, competition, and camaraderie moments. As we navigate the complexities of modern living, it’s crucial to instil in our children the enduring values and joys these games offer, ensuring a balanced and enriching life experience.

References/Resources

1. Playing outdoors; nidirect; https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/playing-outdoors

2. Glassy. D, Tandon. P; Playing Outside: Why It’s Important for Kids; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/power-of-play/Pages/playing-outside-why-its-important-for-kids.aspx

3. Top 5 benefits of children playing outside; Sanford Health; https://news.sanfordhealth.org/childrens/play-outside/

4. McCarthy. C; 6 reasons children need to play outside; Harvard Health Publishing; https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/6-reasons-children-need-to-play-outside-2018052213880 ; October 2020

Also Read: 

Games that can be Played At Park for Children Backyard Games for Children Outdoor Summer Evening Activities for Kids

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Article Contents

Introduction.

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Changes in recreational behaviors of outdoor enthusiasts during the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis across urban and rural communities

• Article contents
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• Supplementary Data

William L Rice, Timothy J Mateer, Nathan Reigner, Peter Newman, Ben Lawhon, B Derrick Taff, Changes in recreational behaviors of outdoor enthusiasts during the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis across urban and rural communities, Journal of Urban Ecology , Volume 6, Issue 1, 2020, juaa020, https://doi.org/10.1093/jue/juaa020

The COVID-19 pandemic presents not only a global health crisis but has also disrupted the daily lives of people around the world. From a leisure perspective, urban outdoor enthusiasts are one group particularly impacted by the pandemic and the subsequent institutional response. Stay-at-home orders and physical distancing recommendations serve as potential inhibitors to outdoor recreation activities central to the lifestyles and wellbeing of outdoor enthusiasts. In urban areas, where these orders and recommendations are most restrictive, the potential impacts on recreation behavior are most consequential. This study provides an empirical analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the recreational behaviors of outdoor enthusiasts across urban and rural communities. Results suggest that the frequency of outdoor recreation participation, distance travelled to participate in outdoor recreation and distance travelled beyond roads during outdoor recreation have declined significantly more among outdoor enthusiasts residing in urban areas than urban clusters or rural areas.

Outdoor recreation provides important recreational ecosystem services (e.g. stress relief, socialization, nature appreciation, etc.) through physical interaction with the natural world (Scholte et al. 2019). In times of crisis or disaster, outdoor recreation also provides an important means of coping ( Rung et al. 2011 ; Samuelsson et al. 2020 ). The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented global health crisis ( Stier, Berman and Bettencourt 2020 ). Limitations to travel across all scales—from intercontinental tourism to stay-at-home orders—have brought significant stress to the global community ( Bao et al. 2020 ). Though necessary to thwart the spread of the virus, diminished or restricted access to settings that facilitate outdoor recreation reduce a community’s capacity to cope with crisis, especially for the outdoor enthusiast subculture—those who are highly dependent on outdoor recreation as a means of leisure (see Outdoor Industry Association, 2015 ). Such necessary restrictions to access have also complicated the role parks and outdoor recreation play in the promotion of psychological and physiological recovery during crisis ( Rung et al. 2011 ; Samuelsson et al. 2020 ). Loss of access to outdoor recreation opportunities inhibits individuals’ abilities to engage with restorative natural environments and escape the pressures of the crisis ( Rung et al. 2011 ; Samuelsson et al. 2020 ). It is therefore imperative that officials and planners have access to information concerning changes to outdoor recreation behaviors ( De Valck et al. 2016 ).

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on recreation access

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic on 11 March 2020. In the organization’s official announcement, the WHO Director-General called on all countries to ‘detect, test, treat, isolate, trace, and mobilize their people in the response…[and] reduce transmission’ ( WHO 2020 ). In response, many countries issued restrictions to travel outside of the home to reduce the transmission of the highly contagious virus ( Tufan and Kayaaslan 2020 ). Scotland, for example, explicitly prohibited non-local travel for recreation and leisure purposes ( Scottish Government 2020 ). As demonstrated by Stier, Berman and Bettencourt (2020) , the spread of COVID-19 intensifies with city size—meaning that larger urban areas experience faster, more devastating outbreaks. Therefore, cities have moved to implement strict physical distancing measures and limitations to public green space ( Samuelsson et al. 2020 ). It is posited that these restrictions to outdoor recreation—though necessary for controlling the spread of COVID-19—have unintended negative consequences on the wellbeing of urban populations, as ‘access to urban nature is especially important when stress levels are high in populations that suddenly are asked to shelter in place and that experience anxiety due to uncertainty and fear of infection’ ( Samuelsson et al. 2020 , p. 2).

Study purpose

Beyond the context of the present crisis, outdoor recreation has also been robustly linked to physical, mental and social health and wellbeing through the provisioning of ecosystem services (see reviews by Thomsen, Powell and Allen 2013 ; Holland et al. 2018 ). In urban areas, the provisioning of these ecosystem services can be enhanced through design and planning that increase exposure to natural features in recreation settings ( Tan et al. 2020 ). In turn, it is important to understand how recreation patterns are shifting in response to COVID-19 and how the provisioning of recreational ecosystem services may be impacted so that improved park management, planning, and design can be implemented ( Samuelsson et al. 2020 ). As noted by Salama (2020) , this research is especially important for urban residents—who have lesser outdoor recreation amenities at their disposal and relatively higher place identity or dependence—as it is posited that the pandemic may have significant impacts on their mobility patterns.

Given the importance of outdoor recreation for certain groups (i.e. outdoor enthusiasts) in coping with crisis and the restrictions on travel placed in response to COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that officials and planners understand how the pandemic is impacting outdoor enthusiasts—those who are highly reliant on outdoor recreation as a means of leisure ( Salama 2020 ). Outdoor enthusiasts represent a subculture that makes up a significant segment of the consumer marketplace and include those who ‘love being outdoors’ through a variety of recreational mediums ( Outdoor Industry Association 2015 ). As identified by Salama (2020) and Samuelsson et al. (2020) , the recreational impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are appropriate for immediate study. Additionally, given the findings of Stier, Berman and Bettencourt (2020) concerning the spread of COVID-19 across urban and rural communities, it is imperative to understand what types of communities are most impacted by the pandemic in terms of their outdoor recreation behaviors. Therefore, the goal of this study is to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the recreation behaviors of outdoor enthusiasts across the community classifications of the urban–rural continuum.

Survey distribution

The online community of the Leave No Trace (LNT) Center for Outdoor Ethics was selected as the respondent pool for this research due to the frequency with which its members pursue outdoor recreation. LNT is a prominent outdoor education entity present in U.S. parks and protected areas, with a storied history, and established memorandums of understanding with all the federal land management agencies and many local and state park systems ( Marion 2014 ). Its members are primarily American outdoor enthusiasts who spend 8–12 hours engaged in outdoor recreation (i.e. hiking, biking, camping, running, wildlife viewing, etc.) each week ( LNT 2018 ). A Qualtrics-based online survey concerning recreation patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic was distributed to 63,890 subscribers of the LNT email listserv. Given the temporally dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was available for only a 48-hour window beginning on 9th April at 9 AM Mountain Standard Time (USA). Potential respondents were asked to participate in a 10- to 12-minute survey collecting relevant data on recreation patterns.

Survey development

Given the study’s purpose, survey items were developed to collect data concerning how outdoor recreation behaviors are changing. Behaviors of interest included frequency of outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation group size, distance travelled to participate in outdoor recreation and distance travelled beyond roads during outdoor recreation. Each of these behaviors was selected to represent a different aspect of the recreational experience that has been linked to physical, mental or social wellbeing ( Holland et al. 2018 ). For each behavior, changes in recreation patterns were measured for both the month before and the weeks after 11 March 2020—the date the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic. Groups of interest across the rural–urban continuum were developed using community classification measures established by the U.S. Census Bureau, including those residing in rural areas with populations less than 5000, those residing in urban clusters with populations between 5000 and 50,000, and those residing in urbanized areas with populations exceeding 50,000 ( U.S. Census Bureau 2010 ). Methods of measurement for behaviors and groups of interest are detailed in Table 1 .

Summary of behaviors and groups of interest

All behavior-related questions were explicitly asked in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data analysis

A series of one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze differences in outdoor recreation behavior change among the three community classifications (rural area, urban cluster and urban area). One-way ANOVAs are used to determine differences in means for measured continuous variables across groups within a categorical independent variable ( Vaske 2008 ). A series of one-way ANOVAs were used in lieu of a single MANOVA based on the guidance of Huberty and Morris (1989) . For each ANOVA, Levene’s F test was used to determine if equality of variance could be assumed for behaviors. If equality of variance could not be assumed, Welch’s test of Equality of Means was used to correct the significance level of the omnibus test. Additionally, post hoc tests were conducted to assess significant differences among each of the three groups. The post hoc test used was determined by whether equality of variance could be assumed (Scheffé’s S or Tamhane’s T2). These post hoc tests were selected as they offer conservative estimates of significance ( Vaske 2008 ).

Of the 63,890 total recipients of the distribution email, 3,003 individuals opened the email containing the survey link. In total, 1012 respondents agreed to complete the survey for a gross response rate of 4.7% or an adjusted response rate of 33.7% (based on opened emails)—within the expected range for online surveys ( Blumenberg and Barros 2018 ). Respondents resided across 49 US states and territories and 14 countries, consisted of 57.8% females, and had an average age of 47 years old. Full descriptive results of the sample can be found in Table 2 .

Descriptive results of the sample

Scale: 1 = ‘0 to 2 miles’, 2 = ‘3 to 5 miles’, 3 = ‘6 to 15 miles’, 4 = ‘16 to 50 miles’, 5 = ‘≥ 50 miles’.

ANOVA results

Across all four behaviors of interest, the magnitude of changes increased with community size ( Table 3 ). Results of the four one-way ANOVAs and corresponding post hoc tests can be found in Table 3 . Each ANOVA, with the exception of change in group size, yielded significant omnibus results—indicating significant differences among community classifications. Levene’s F test allows equality of variance to be assumed for all behaviors besides change in frequency. However, a subsequent Welch’s Test of Equality of Means indicates significant differences among at least two groups ( Vaske 2008 ). Subsequent post hoc tests show that urban area residents decreased their frequency of outdoor recreation participation, distance travelled to participate in outdoor recreation and distance traveled beyond roads during outdoor recreation significantly more than rural residents. Urban area residents also decreased their distance travelled to participate in outdoor recreation significantly more than urban cluster residents.

ANOVA results with post hoc tests on group differences

Statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval: at least two groups are significantly different.

Equality of variances cannot be assumed.

Statistically significantly different than urban area residents at a 95% confidence interval.

Statistically significantly different than rural residents at a 95% confidence interval.

Statistically significant at a 99.9% confidence interval: at least two groups are significantly different.

Equality of variances can be assumed.

Statistically significantly different than urban cluster residents at a 95% confidence interval.

While results of this study indicate that the behaviors of outdoor enthusiasts—despite the size of their community of residence—have changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, those from urban areas are significantly more impacted than those from urban clusters or rural areas. These results confirm the hypothesis of Samuelsson et al. (2020) —that travel and physical distancing restrictions are impacting recreation patterns of urban populations, who are generally bound by the tightest restrictions ( Tufan and Kayaaslan 2020 ). While restrictions on outdoor recreation are necessary to thwart the pandemic, a number of unintended repercussions are likely to result from changes in outdoor recreation behavior. Specifically, diminished frequency of participation and distance travelled beyond roads have clear links to health and wellbeing consequences through limiting the attainment of recreational ecosystem services. Those who participate in outdoor recreation more frequently are likely to be in better health ( Payne et al. 2005 ; Thomsen, Powell and Allen 2013 ). Additionally, backcountry recreation—beyond roads—offers a unique array of benefits distinct from those available through frontcountry recreation ( Pohl, Borrie and Patterson 2000 ; Holland et al. 2018 ). Therefore, decreases in both frequency of participation and backcountry use among outdoor enthusiasts of all community classifications may have lasting unintended negative impacts on human health and wellbeing—though ecological wellbeing may benefit from this period of reduced outdoor recreation and travel ( Rosenbloom and Markard 2020 ).

Additionally, decreases in distance travelled to participate in outdoor recreation—significantly greater among urban area residents—suggest that visitors are substituting more proximate recreational settings for more preferable, distant settings. This substitution behavior implies that outdoor enthusiasts are settling for sub-optimal experiences, or perhaps experiences they perceive to be sub-optimal in the planning stage of their experience ( Brunson and Shelby 1993 ). It is possible that changes in behavior such as reduced travel distance may result in the discovery of acceptable, alternative local recreation areas (Tu et al. 2016). As posited by Salama (2020) , this behavior may lead to a reconsideration of ‘home ranges’ and place identity for outdoor enthusiasts and the broader public. However, it also poses a current challenge to planners and local park and recreation practitioners attempting to encourage physical distancing.

Implications and recommendations for planning and management

The importance of urban recreational ecosystem services is well-documented (see Zhang, Tan and Diehl 2017 ; Escobedo et al. 2019 ; Tan et al. 2020 ). In light of our research findings, we recommend that urban planners and public land managers work in concert to develop strategies for the facilitation of outdoor recreation for urban populations during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the provisioning of these recreational ecosystem services during this crisis and in future crises. One proposed strategy is the temporary transformation of roadways to pedestrian corridors, as done in Denver, CO and Oakland, CA (USA) ( González 2020 ). This action alleviates dense use of pedestrian paths and increases residents’ capacity to practice physical distancing while still engaging in outdoor recreation activities like biking, running or walking.

Other direct management actions might also be employed. In parks with control points, we recommend that managers consider quotas to reduce the density of use during the pandemic while preventing the need for closures (see Manning 2011 ). Connecticut (USA) state parks have trialed this strategy by reducing parking capacity ( Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection 2020 ). Additionally, timed entry systems might be employed, as proposed by managers at Rocky Mountain National Park (USA) ( Blumhardt 2020 ). In urban, residential park settings alternative means of managing risk of infection are likely needed such as quotas within certain high use areas and trailheads or prohibiting use by non-local residents, as seen in the San Francisco (USA) metro area ( Stienstra 2020 ). Indirect management measures should also be considered to manage outdoor recreation during the pandemic. Examples of such measures include the use of painted physical distancing reminders on multi-use paths in London (UK) ( Samuelsson et al. 2020 ), signage with persuasive collectivist messaging encouraging responsible recreation practices and physical distancing in Oakland (USA) ( Riggs 2020 ), or encouraging one-way traffic on trails in Boulder (USA) ( O’Keefe 2020 ).

Finally, as observed by Salama (2020) , planners and public land managers should consider the possibility of future pandemics in their recreation planning and design. Recommendations include designing spaces that adhere to spatial proximities that comply with physical distancing recommendations and creating more biophilic design elements in urban recreation settings ( Salama 2020 ). Improved urban green infrastructure may prove as an effective means of increasing coping capacity and the provisioning of recreational ecosystem services ( Palliwoda, Banzhaf and Priess 2020 ). In addition to underscoring the importance of park and outdoor recreation design, the COVID-19 pandemic—and our research of its impacts—highlights the value of access to open space in the midst of crisis. It is thus recommended that cities work to quantify this value and work to preserve remaining green space, as noted by Samuelsson et al. (2020) .

Limitations and future research

Primary among the limitations of this study is the self-reported, retrospective nature of the questions being asked. Retrospective reporting has been shown to bias results in other leisure contexts ( Ito, Walker and Kono 2019 ). Demographic biases might also be impactful. It should be noted that the sample was not exclusively composed of US residents. While the study’s sample is overwhelmingly composed of non-Hispanic white (88.5%) individuals, this is in line with estimates of overall outdoor recreation participation ( Askew and Walls 2019 ; Outdoor Foundation 2020) . However, the sample is composed of a female majority (57.8%). This is not consistent with outdoor recreation participation at large (45.0%; Outdoor Foundation 2020) . Other socio-demographic measures were not assessed, presenting the possibility of additional biases within the sample. The surveying of LNT listserv members also presents the possibility that the sample may be better educated about responsible outdoor recreation or disposed to following regulations than the larger outdoor recreation community.

Additionally, this study is limited by the lack of information concerning stay-at-home orders or other restrictions to travel enforced upon respondents. The timing enforcement, and adherence to these restrictions has varied across the USA and around the globe ( Tufan and Kayaaslan 2020 ), and therefore restrictions may have varied impacts on the behaviors of respondents. The degree to which these necessary restrictions influenced outdoor recreation behavior is unknown. Finally, these results provide an understanding of a specific moment within a rapidly evolving pandemic. Therefore, the interpretation of these results should be considerate of the time when the data were collected—9th–11th April 2020, when there were more than 503,000 cases and 18,761 deaths in the U.S. attributed to COVID-19.

Based on our findings, three major areas of future research emerge. Primary among these research needs is quantifying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of outdoor enthusiasts. Further inquiry concerning the consequences of these documented changes in behavior on mental and physical health outcomes is required to fully understand the pandemic’s impact on the outdoor enthusiast subculture ( Rice et al. 2020 ). Second, future research is needed to understand exactly what aspects of the pandemic (e.g. agency guidance, regulations, closures, social norms, intrinsic motivations, etc.) have changed the recreational behaviors of outdoor enthusiasts. Urban planners and public land managers, alike, require information concerning the source of these recreation shifts to better facilitate recreation during the pandemic and following its conclusion. Finally, more research is merited concerning the shifts in these recreational behaviors during the remainder of the pandemic. Our results provide a ‘snapshot’ in time of recreation behaviors of outdoor enthusiasts, but in a rapidly evolving pandemic, additional samples would improve our understanding of how impacts are evolving as well.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented humankind with a tremendous challenge. With challenge comes stress and the need for reprieve. Our findings indicate that urban outdoor enthusiasts are disproportionately impacted by the recreational burden of the pandemic—reducing their participation, changing their recreation settings, and reducing backcountry recreation to greater degrees than residents of rural areas. Put another way, those most directly impacted by the pandemic ( Stier, Berman and Bettencourt 2020 ) have also experienced the greatest impact on their ability to cope with the pandemic. Our findings suggest that planners and public land managers must provide additional consideration to the recreational capacity of urban residents during this crisis.

Conflict of interest statement . None declared.

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Physical, Social, Emotional and Intellectual Benefits of Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreation is enjoyable for men, women and children of all ages. Performing physical exercise while outdoors provides a way to get outside and enjoy your natural surroundings. Aside from breathing fresh air and discovering nature's many wonders, the outdoors provides various activities to keep you wanting to go back outside for more.

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The advantages of outdoor activities are endless and will help keep you and your family physically and mentally healthy.

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Read more: Why Spending More Time Outside Could Save Your Life

Outdoor Workouts and Fitness

Outdoor recreation provides a multitude of advantageous physical activities that may be performed in solitude, with several friends and family members, or with your local recreational sports team . Sports such as hiking, canoeing, swimming, racket and ball sports and numerous other physical activities give you more choices for enjoyable exercise, which is likely to keep you motivated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that adults perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of intense activity every week, ideally spread out over the course of the week rather than all at once.

Read more: What Are the Benefits of Morning Walking?

Social Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Adults and children alike can experience the social benefits of outdoor activities. Participating in sports and recreation provides everyone from young kids to seniors with an opportunity to meet and build relationships with others. Participating on a team will help you to form lasting friendships with people who share your passion for outdoor recreation.

Mental Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Harvard Health Publishing notes that physical activity helps reduce stress and prevents some cases of depression. Exercise reduces anxiety, and consistent activity provides more relief for anxiety and depression.

Better self-esteem often results from consistent recreation, partially due to a decrease in stress and to the overall feeling of well-being that occurs from regular aerobic exercise . Breathing fresh air in a natural, serene environment also helps many people to relax and reduce stress and anxiety, which is another advantage of outdoor activities.

A 2015 paper published in the journal _ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy _explained that exercise is a good treatment for mental health because it does not come with side effects, as medication can, and also does not carry the stigma that attending therapy or taking medication still does in many communities.

According to the paper's authors, exercise as a standalone treatment or augmenting other forms of mental health treatment can help people dealing with anxiety, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

While you should not attempt to treat serious mental illness on your own, if you are anxious or have a mental illness it may be worth speaking to your doctor about exercising as part of your recommended treatment plan.

Read more: How Exercise Improves Mood

Sleep Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Research shows that people who exercise regularly experience longer, deeper, more restful sleep . Better sleep results in more energy and alertness the following day, allowing better concentration and ability to think on higher levels.

Along with better rest and rejuvenation for your body during the night, regular physical activity that reduces stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression will help you to concentrate more during the day.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Physical Activity for Everyone: How Much Physical Activity Do Adults Need?"
• American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine: "The Bidirectional Relationship Between Exercise and Sleep: Implications for Exercise Adherence and Sleep Improvement"
• Harvard Health Publishing: "Exercising to Relax"
• Eastern Kentucky University: "Self-Esteem, Empowerment and Recreation: A Meta-Analysis of Outdoor Recreation on Adolescent Females"
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: "Exercise for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: The State-of-the Science"

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Essay on Outdoor Games

Introduction.

Children love playing outdoors. It is good for children to stretch their arms and legs instead of sitting in front of the television all day. Through this essay on outdoor games, we will understand the importance of playing outdoors for children.

Outdoor games mainly refer to those games which we play outside in the open air. Since it is played outside, several factors like weather and time must be taken into consideration. It is not possible to play outdoor games when it is raining heavily or when it gets dark as children may fall sick or injure themselves. In this short essay on outdoor games, we will look at the benefits and types of outdoor games so that it will be effortless for children to write an essay on outdoor games in English.

Benefits of Outdoor Games

Just like the way children get to warm up themselves by playing outdoors, there are many advantages associated with outdoor games. We will discuss them here in this essay on outdoor games. The greatest benefit is to their physical health. While playing outdoors, they will be exposed to sunlight which is a rich source of vitamin D. This naturally improves their stamina and strengthens their bones and muscles.

As much as outdoor games help children to stay physically fit, they also keep them emotionally happy, free from tension or stress. We don’t have to worry about their lifestyle as outdoor games are meant to keep all problems at bay. This short essay on outdoor games also emphasises that outdoor games and activities help in the overall development of children. Along with learning to work in a team, these games build confidence in them.

Besides, outdoor games are a way for them to connect with their surroundings and nature, which will enable them to be conscious of protecting our environment . So, let us make our children admire the beauty of nature and help them attain mental peace and happiness through outdoor games.

Varieties of Outdoor Games

Any game or activity done in a group outside a house or in a large playground can be considered an outdoor game. The essay on outdoor games in English will discuss some of the favoured outdoor games of children.

Cricket, Badminton, Football, Marco Polo, Kabaddi , and Catch the Thief are widely played by children of all ages. These games keep them refreshed and relaxed, and they will be able to better focus and retain what they have learnt in class. So, let us make them aware of the significance of outdoor games through this essay on outdoor games. In this way, they will be able to write a simple paragraph about my favourite game.

By making them play outdoor games, we can develop their personality. For more such essays for kids, visit our website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Essay on Outdoor Games

What is the importance of outdoor games.

Outdoor games are essential for the holistic growth of our children. They must make it a routine to engage in outdoor activities and games to build their physical stamina and keep their minds stress-free.

How will this essay on outdoor games be useful for children?

With the help of this essay, children will be able to understand the different types of outdoor games and the benefits of playing them. This will also help them to write an essay on the topic.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Physical Exercise — The Importance of Sports and Outdoor Activities for Children’s Development

The Importance of Sports and Outdoor Activities for Children’s Development

• Categories: Childhood Development Children Physical Exercise

About this sample

Words: 1196 |

Published: May 7, 2019

Words: 1196 | Pages: 3 | 6 min read

Table of contents

Physical development, in retrospect, baseball and softball.

• Helps build physical strength.
• Improves hand to eye coordination.
• Teaches balance.
• Creates discipline.
• Build teamwork skills.
• Develop leadership skills.
• Cardiovascular endurance.
• Increases muscle strength.
• Improves flexibility and coordination skills.
• Brings balance and helps to control weight.
• Teaches to be disciplined and builds sense of teamwork.
• Leadership and fairness attributes.
• Boosts self-esteem.
• Helps to strengthen legs.
• Improves Balance.
• Physical fitness and exercise.
• Maintains weight control.
• Teaches discipline and self esteem.
• Sense of community.
• Helps with family bonding and gives a sense of freedom.
• Environmental awareness

Walking Works Too

• Helps bring balance.
• Great coordination.
• Leg strength and weight control.
• The feeling of freedom.
• Raises self-esteem.
• Creates an awareness for the environment along with family bonding.

Emotional Advancement

Social advancement, mental advancement.

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Essay on Importance of Outdoor Games | Benefits of Playing Games

Importance of Outdoor Games

Life is Cool When You Play Outdoor Games

In the world of smart television and smartphones, life has become very easy. Therefore, people of all ages without any gender bias are so attached to gadgets that they can stay confined to one room for a whole day. As a result, they have forgotten to step outside. They have forgotten this beautiful world outside. They stick to their virtual world of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter throughout the day or watch cartoons or Netflix for the complete day. Digitalisation has engrossed our minds so much that we are unable to gauge its consequences. Thus, in this blind race of achieving top rank in exams, high standards in society, name and fame men have started ignoring their personal life.

 Effects of staying indoors all the time:

• We fall ill more often
• We are cut from our neighbours and relatives
• We lack social skills
• We can’t face extreme temperatures

But we cannot leave these gadgets completely aside because they have become an indispensable part of our life. To keep ourselves safe from the above-mentioned ill effects, what can we do?

We have a panacea for this problem. In other words, if we don’t want to be trapped in these ill effects, we must spend some time playing and roaming in nature.

Playing outdoor games is important for all age groups. It is a must-to-do activity for kids because they are at growing age. According to doctors, we must spend at least 45 minutes a day with nature. It can be in the form of a brisk walk or playing any outdoor games.

List of outdoor games:

• Volley Ball
• Hide and seek

Importance of Playing Outdoor Games

We all are familiar with the benefits of playing/staying outdoors for one or two hours a day. But we do not give importance to them. That’s why we need to be reminded of them again.

Improves our Physical Health

 Outdoor activities help us in muscle strengthening and improve stamina. People are more prone to bone diseases and joint pain due to a lack of vitamin D and calcium because of staying indoors all the time. Fresh air and sunshine can naturally provide us with Vitamin D. Going outdoors and watching greenery can be a feast for our eyes and can improve our vision and focus.

Mental Health

A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Playing outdoor activities works faster than medicine for most lifestyle-related diseases. When we are physically active we are free from obesity, diabetes, thyroid and blood pressure etc which keeps our mental health at the top level in return.

Develops Team Spirit

When we are out we tend to play with others or in a team. This builds a team spirit among us and prepares us to be adjustable and cooperative with others. This quality is very important to be built in children during their childhood so that they can move ahead in their life with long-lasting relationships and not in isolation. This quality leads to fewer divorces in their married life.

Loving and connecting with nature

People who spend more time playing outside tend to be nature lovers. They can better understand the environmental challenges and keep their society clean and pollution-free.

Personality Development

Outdoor activities help to bring out our hidden qualities. We become more confident and self-dependent. Children can overcome their shyness and introverted nature by playing with a group of their age.

Reduces Depression

According to WHO, 300 million people worldwide are suffering from anxiety and depression. These two are nothing but a product of isolation which can very well be tackled by mingling with people when you come out of your home in an open environment. Yoga and pranayam in the fresh air can cure 90 per cent of diseases.

Conclusion:

A lot is said about the benefits of playing and staying outdoors. However, can playing outdoors be hazardous for us in any way? The answer is ‘yes’. As they say, “Excess of everything is bad”. Firstly, playing or walking for very long hours can strain you physically. Secondly, delaying or avoiding your work for play can cause a pile-up of office or homework. In conclusion, there should always be a balance between work and play.

Speech on Importance of outdoor games

The main keywords for this essay on the importance of outdoor games could be:

• Physical health
• Mental health
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Physical activity
• Leadership skills
• Self-esteem
• Stress reduction
• Imagination
• Life skills
• Sportsmanship

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Compare & Contrast Essay: Outdoor Activities Vs. Playing Video Games

Video games are often under fire from publicity-hungry senators who want to pander to the older generation. However, as time goes by the people who enjoy video games now will soon be in power. But, until that day we are forced to question whether video games and outdoor activities should be compared and contrasted. This essay compares and contrasts outdoor activities.

Video games

Video games are not designed to burn off a lot of energy. They are not aerobic in any way, nor are they able to increase physical fitness.

Video games are able to stimulate intellect and help to teach people how to focus on one task for hours on end. It gives a psychological reward for extended concentration and effort.

Video games stimulate the competitive urge in people, making them more amenable to real-world competition. Competition is healthy and therefore it is a good thing to stimulate it as much as possible.

Video games force people to use logic and other problem solving elements of their mind. This helps them to become slightly more proficient at problem solving in real life.

Video games help people to come to terms with being on their own for long periods. This is healthy as people who are over dependant on human interaction are often mal adjusted when it comes to independence and having their own direction in life.

Outdoor activities

Outdoor activities are aerobic, even if a person simply takes up walking. This means that energy is burnt off which helps to increase physical fitness.

Outdoor activities are not really set up to help a person concentrate. In fact, they often involve allowing the mind to wander, as this is often part of the relaxing element involved with outdoor activities.

Outdoor activities that involve games are just as competitive as video games, and so are good for people on a psychological level. Encouraging healthy competition is what helps people strive to be better.

Outdoor activities do not stimulate logic and problem solving elements in the mind, but does stimulate spatial and lateral thinking elements in the brain. It also helps to build mind to body coordination, whereas video games only stimulate hand-to-eye coordination.

Outdoor activities are far more social than video games, which means they help people to become more sociable. They make it easier for people to come together in groups and take part in social activities.

It seems pretty obvious that a person should indulge in both video games and outdoor activities in equal measure. Just like any form of recreation, too much of one thing can be bad. A healthy mix of outdoor activities and video games is going to be healthy and positive for both adults and children.

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Speech on Importance Of Outdoor Games

Outdoor games hold a special spot in everyone’s childhood memories. They offer more than just fun, shaping your character and teaching life lessons. In the era of technology, the significance of these games is often overlooked.

Playing outside helps you stay healthy and active. It sharpens your mind, improves teamwork skills, and boosts creativity. So, let’s cherish and promote the joy of outdoor games.

1-minute Speech on Importance Of Outdoor Games

Good day, dear friends! Today, let’s chat about outdoor games and why they’re so crucial in our lives.

Secondly, outdoor games are like a secret health booster. When we play, we run, we jump, we sweat. All this physical activity helps us stay fit, builds our stamina, and makes our hearts strong. So, playing games outside is like getting a health check-up without visiting the doctor!

Thirdly, outdoor games teach us valuable life lessons. Ever been part of a team in a game? It teaches us cooperation, teamwork, and the spirit of fair play. We learn to win with grace and lose with dignity. These lessons help us grow as individuals and become better human beings.

Finally, outdoor games help us make friends. When we play together, we bond and form friendships that can last a lifetime. We share moments of victory, defeat, joy, and laughter. These shared experiences bring us closer together.

So, let’s step outside, soak up the sun, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy a game or two. Remember, outdoor games are not just about winning or losing. They’re about fun, health, learning, and friendship. Let’s embrace them and enrich our lives. Thank you!

Also check:

2-minute Speech on Importance Of Outdoor Games

Ladies and Gentlemen, today, let’s talk about something we all love – outdoor games. To be more precise, let’s discuss why these games are so essential.

Firstly, let’s talk about health. When we play outdoors, we run, we jump, we throw. In short, our bodies get a fantastic workout. This exercise helps us stay fit and strong. It keeps our heart healthy. And when our heart is healthy, we are less likely to get sick.

Now, let’s talk about something else that outdoor games give us – fun. Yes, playing outdoors is a lot of fun. It gives us a break from our daily chores and tasks. It helps us relax and enjoy ourselves. And when we are having fun, we feel happy. And being happy is very important for our overall well-being.

Lastly, outdoor games connect us with nature. When we play outdoors, we breathe in fresh air. We get to see the sun, the trees, the grass. This connection with nature is very important. It helps us feel calm and peaceful.

Thank you for listening to me today. I hope this talk helps you understand the importance of outdoor games. Now, go out and play!

We also have speeches on more interesting topics that you may want to explore.

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Trauma-informed practices in schools, teacher well-being, cultivating diversity, equity, & inclusion, integrating technology in the classroom, social-emotional development, covid-19 resources, invest in resilience: summer toolkit, civics & resilience, all toolkits, degree programs, trauma-informed professional development, teacher licensure & certification, how to become - career information, classroom management, instructional design, lifestyle & self-care, online higher ed teaching, current events, examples of outdoor activities to get your students writing.

As a teacher, there are only so many things you can do indoors to help your students write. That is why more and more teachers are taking their classrooms outdoors to help get the creative juices flowing. There is something about nature that brings out the best in people; maybe it is the fresh air or the gorgeous scenery. Whatever it is, if you are willing to try some outdoor writing activities with your students, you will be amazed at the results. Here are just a few ideas of outdoor writing activities you can do with your students — or encourage them to do on their own.

Bring on the adjectives

This outdoor writing activity is all about teaching your students how to describe things properly. Take a little walk with your students just outside the classroom. It doesn’t have to be far, but it should be somewhere that has plenty of different items for the students to choose from. Tell each student to pick one item and describe it in detail. Students should describe every curve, every scratch, every color and every texture in the item. Once the descriptions are written, have the students pair up. Then, have the students take turns guessing which object the other student wrote about based solely on the description.

Strength in symbolism

One idea, from the American Camp Association, helps students explore the symbolism that can be found in nature. Once again, begin by taking your students on a short walk. This time, have them search from the beginning of the walk for an item that symbolizes them. Along the way, point out different items that you see that could symbolize you and give them a reason why. This will help them get thinking in the right direction. Once you get back to the classroom, have them write about what symbol they chose for themselves and why. You will be pretty impressed with some of the items the students find.

Free writing

Free writing is a very common practice in any writing class. It is simply when a student is given a time frame in which they must write nonstop. Students can write whatever comes to mind, and they do not have to worry about spelling or grammar. Edutopia believes that taking free writing sessions outdoors will encourage students to dig deeper inside themselves. The sounds and sights of nature seem to bring out the best in people, and this is shown in their writing.

Daily journal entries

This is one of the outdoor writing activities that can be done several times a week. Take the students somewhere outside where there is plenty of room for them each to be on their own. Then, give them ample time to simply write about their thoughts. What is going on in their life? What do they worry about? What are they happy about? Make sure the students know that the journals are for their eyes only and they are free to write down anything that comes to mind. The point of this activity is simply for the students to practice writing down their feelings so they can use this skill in future writing assignments that will be graded. Being able to successfully express feelings is an attribute every great writer should have.

Teaching poetry can be very tricky because the writer needs to have an inspiration for the poem to be about. What better inspiration is there than the outdoors? You can choose a different poem type each week and have the students practice writing about the things they see all around them. Poetry teaches many skills such as descriptive writing, using synonyms appropriately (when trying to rhyme), and developing creativity.

There are many different types of writing, all with different types of rules to follow. Whether it is serious writing, comedy writing, easy writing or tedious writing, one thing that it all has in common is that it can be influenced by the outdoors. With a little creativity as a teacher, you can come up with a wide variety of outdoor writing activities to help your students develop into the best writers they can be.

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Article on Importance of Outdoor Games

Fresh Reads

Our performance in the Rio Olympics has told us that we do not pay enough attention to athletics and outdoor games. It is the time we revise our attitude. Sports should be an important part of every school’s daily routine. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Importance of Outdoor Games’. You are Sreej a/Thomas.

Importance of Outdoor Games

By Sreeja/Thomas

As in the words of Muhammad Ali:

“Champions are made from something they have deep inside them, — a desire, a dream, a vision”.

But our performance in Rio Olympics tells a different story. A nation of more than 125 crores has not been able to produce a sportsperson, or an athlete of International standards even after 76 years of independence! What really is the reason behind the adverse condition of Indian sports? Growing craze of cellphones and video games among children are the official apathy and the lack of facilities are like an additional handicap. Also, at present, there is a lot of emphasis on academics which leads to the lack of time for the students to get indulge in sports activities. So, to brighten up the image of sports and games, indoor and outdoor games are equally important-one for relaxation and the other for physical exercise. Games such as Volleyball, Hockey, Cricket, Basketball, Football and Lawn Tennis provide recreation, develop sportsmanship and broaden the base of sports. There is no doubt that these outdoor games develop good habits, skills, knowledge and other social qualities required in a sportsperson. Sports personalities and players should be given proper training for them to be properly motivated. If we really want to revive our sports, the Govt, and sports authorities of India must put serious efforts into the matter. Proper facilities should be provided to the athletes and new talent should be encouraged. In order to enhance the performance, we should chalk out weekly plans, meso-cycle plans, micro cycle and yearly plans for the sports person. Sports play an integral part in education. So we should motivate all the students of an institution to take parts in games and sports. ‘A game for each and each for a game’ may be considered the motto of sports.

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What Adults Lost When Kids Stopped Playing in the Street

In many ways, a world built for cars has made life so much harder for grown-ups.

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I n the summer of 2009, Amy Rose and Alice Ferguson, two mothers living on Greville Road in Bristol, a midsize city in southwest England, found themselves in a strange predicament: They saw entirely too much of their kids. “We were going, like, Why are they here? ” Rose told me. “ Why aren’t they outside? ” The friends decided to run an experiment. They applied to shut their quarter-mile road to traffic for two hours after school on a June afternoon—not for a party or an event but just to let the children who lived there play. Intentionally, they didn’t prepare games or activities, Rose told me, as it would have defeated the purpose of the inquiry: “With time, space, and permission, what happens?”

The results were breathtaking. The dozens of kids who showed up had no problem finding things to do. One little girl cycled up and down the street “3,000 times,” Rose recalled. “She was totally blissed out.” Suddenly, the modern approach to children’s play, in which parents shuttle their kids to playgrounds or other structured activities, seemed both needlessly extravagant and wholly insufficient. Kids didn’t need special equipment or lessons; they just needed to be less reliant on their time-strapped parents to get outside.

The experiment also produced some unexpected results. As children poured into the street, some ran into classmates, only just then realizing that they were neighbors. Soon it became clear to everyone present that far more children were living on Greville Road than anyone had known. That session, and the many more it prompted, also became the means by which adult residents got to know one another, which led to another revelation for Ferguson and Rose: In numerous ways, a world built for cars has made life so much harder for adults.

The dominance of cars has turned children’s play into work for parents, who are left coordinating and supervising their children’s time and ferrying kids to playgrounds and play dates. But it has also deprived adults of something more profound. Over the years, as Rose and Ferguson have expanded their experiment to other parts of the United Kingdom, neighborhoods across the country have discovered that allowing kids to play out in the open has helped residents reclaim something they didn’t know they were missing: the ability to connect with the people living closest to them.

M odern folks tend to think that streets serve largely mobile purposes—getting cars from one place to another in swift, orderly fashion. But “prior to the automobile, streets had a ton of stationary functions,” Marcel Moran, a faculty fellow at New York University’s Center for Urban Science and Progress, told me. Streets were where people sold wares and socialized. And particularly after the United States and Europe began to industrialize, streets were the primary location for the rising number of urban-dwelling children to play, according to Jon Winder, a historian and the author of Designed for Play: Children’s Playgrounds and the Politics of Urban Space, 1840–2010 . This remained the case in the U.K. and the U.S. even after playgrounds became widespread in the early 20th century. Only when cars hit the streets in larger numbers did things begin to change. Society, Winder told me, began prioritizing “the movement and storage of motor vehicles over children and their playful behavior.”

In the U.S., the ousting of children from the street was initially met with fierce resistance, Peter Norton, an associate history professor at the University of Virginia and the author of Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City , told me. In the 1920s, as pedestrian death tolls mounted, a number of American cities erected monuments to children killed in traffic, acknowledging their deaths as public losses the way we memorialize fallen soldiers. When cases involving these tragedies made their way to court, Norton said, judges routinely ruled that “a child has an absolute right to use the street, that it’s the responsibility of everyone else to watch out for the child. The parent does not have to be there.” He added that motorists who argued that they were not at fault, because the child had rushed out in front of them, were told, “That’s no excuse. You chose to operate a dangerous machine that gave you, the driver, the responsibility.”

Over time, however, deliberate efforts within the auto industry shifted the blame for traffic deaths to children and their parents. In the 1920s, the American Automobile Association dispensed free school-safety education materials aimed at teaching children that the road was not for them. Among other things, these curricula redefined the school-safety patrols run by older children tasked with escorting younger kids safely through the streets. Instead of walking into the street to stop traffic, kids were instructed to wait until there were no cars, then to cross. The message was that “if a child’s going to use the street at all, it’s only when there’s no cars,” Norton said. “This immediately became the excuse for raising speed limits.” By the 1940s, these curricula—still produced by AAA—cautioned children against even attempting to use streets at all. And it was hard to argue otherwise, Norton said, because the higher speed limits had in fact made roads quite dangerous.

The broader shift to a car-centric society only further undercut the notion that children have a place in or near the road, Norton told me. Suburbanization combined with school consolidation and court-ordered school busing meant that schools got farther apart, making it impractical for children to walk to them. In the 1980s, warnings about “stranger danger,” which intensified as news and crime shows stoked panic about child abductions, no doubt played a role in further curtailing children’s freedom—though stranger danger itself wasn’t new, Norton noted. Parents of the past relied on a combination of people—shopkeepers, residents, adults sitting on front steps—to keep an eye out for the rare unsavory character who might harm their kids. “But eyes on the street in the U.S., outside of a few surviving communities, is almost gone,” Norton said. “Eyes behind a windshield are no substitute.”

R ose and Ferguson’s project on Greville Road is of course not the first or only effort to reclaim the streets for children. In the U.K., play streets emerged roughly a century ago as a sort of compromise in the process of booting kids off the street. But after peaking in the 1960s, they largely dwindled out, to be revived only in the late 2000s. New York has had a play-streets program since 1914 , and Philadelphia for more than half a century—and recently, the idea has been taken up in other U.S. cities. Chicago launched a play-streets program in 2012 , followed by Los Angeles in 2015 ; an initiative in Portland, Oregon, hosted its first events in 2023 .

In the U.K., Rose, Ferguson, and their friend Ingrid Skeels expanded their experiment in 2011 by founding Playing Out , an organization that has helped residents on more than 1,000 streets in dozens of cities across the country set up their own play sessions. These typically last for two hours and occur weekly, biweekly, or monthly. And yes, as with any other sort of play these days, the process takes work: Residents who’d like to set up a play street must get buy-in from neighbors, agree on dates, book road closures well in advance, and recruit stewards to stand guard at either end of the block. Organizers are also working against the headwinds of a society unaccustomed to children playing in the street. Even when blocks are officially closed to traffic, stewards often have to address drivers frustrated that they can’t get through. Some residents ask why the kids can’t just go to the park, and they worry about the noise or what will happen to their cars. When Jo Chesterman, a Bristol-based mother of two, first broached the idea of a play session on her street several years ago, some neighbors, she told me, seemed to worry “it was maybe going to be like Lord of the Flies .”

But the street outside a child’s home is very different from a playground or a private yard. It’s a space that connects one home to another and is used by all residents, regardless of age or whether they have kids. On the street, Chesterman told me, kids learn how to find the homes of other children within walking distance. They also encounter children outside their own age group and a broader variety of adults. Rose’s daughter, Kaya, who just graduated from university but was 8 at the time of the inaugural play street, told me that mixing with younger kids afforded her opportunities to win the trust of their parents, which she otherwise wouldn’t have had, and that “feeling like the adults trusted us to look after their kids … made us trust those adults as well.” For the adults, Chesterman said, play streets make it “easier to get to know everyone, rather than wait to bump into each other when you’re doing the recycling.”

Read: Live closer to your friends

Surveys conducted by Alison Stenning, a professor of social and economic geography at Newcastle University who started studying the social impact of play streets after helping get one up and running in her own neighborhood, show that many play-street sessions manage to draw out nonparents as well. Sometimes, these connections lead to strong friendships. (Chesterman told me that on her street, plenty of play afternoons led to cozy social evenings with “far too much honey rum.”) But Stenning found that even where deep intimacy didn’t grow, neighbors did gain a more general “sense of knowing and being known”—which also has its value. Years ago, she told me, one rundown house at the end of her street, occupied by an older man and his sister, inspired rumors about who the two were and why their house looked so dilapidated. When the play streets started, the man occasionally emerged to watch the children and chat with the stewards stationed outside his house. There was no major breakthrough or kumbaya moment, but these small interactions helped demystify a slightly odd and somewhat-feared presence on the street.

S ome of this neighborly connection is likely the result of all the work and coordination involved in shutting a road to traffic. But it could also have something to do with the way children’s play alters the feel of the street, giving adults permission to engage in the sort of socializing “we’ve otherwise policed out,” Moran, of NYU, told me. Kids themselves function as a sort of “connective tissue for adults,” Moran said. This is true in the simple sense that when kids meet one another, their parents naturally connect. But children are also “very good at breaking down the learned reserve between adults,” Paul Tranter, an honorary associate professor at UNSW Canberra and the author of Slow Cities: Conquering Our Speed Addiction for Health and Sustainability , told me. Children’s tendency to violate social boundaries—to stare a little too long, ask someone an overly forward question, or wander into someone else’s yard—can nudge adults to reach across those boundaries too. It probably isn’t a coincidence that playgrounds are one of the few places in America where striking up a conversation with a stranger is considered socially acceptable and even expected. By siloing play there, we may have inadvertently undercut children’s capacity to bind us to one another.

In Chesterman’s neighborhood, after about four years, street-play sessions had so radically transformed the culture that the need for formal road closures fell away. “The vibe of the street is that [people] expect to see kids playing,” she said. But she suspects that this is possible largely because her road isn’t a through street, so most of the people driving on it actually live there.

Read: Surrendering our cities to cars would be a historic blunder

Her experience points to the limitations of play streets: For all their community benefits, they aren’t, in many places, sufficient to transform the way kids or adults use the street. On busier roads, play will always rely on a continuing rotation of people available to organize and steward formal closures. The sheer effort involved in coordinating them means that play streets sometimes fizzle out over time. Even on Greville Road, despite Rose and Ferguson’s deep commitment, weekly after-school sessions have dwindled to monthly Saturday afternoons. And in communities where people lack the time and resources necessary for sustaining regular traffic closures, play streets don’t happen at all.

This may be the ultimate finding of Rose and Ferguson’s experiment: Truly restoring a culture of street play will require society to make much more far-reaching, permanent changes to the built environment. It’s a daunting and perhaps impossible-sounding task. But it’s one that would meaningfully improve the well-being of children, of parents, of every person on the street.

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With Solitude and Untouched Nature, the Quieter Corners of the Adirondacks Beckon

New York’s Adirondack Park draws more than 12 million visitors each year, but most don’t venture far from the park’s population centers. Here’s where to go to avoid the crowds.

By Amanda Loudin

At six million acres, New York’s Adirondack Park is the size of Vermont, and larger than all of New Jersey. A unique mix of state and private property that encompasses mountains, wilderness areas and lakes, the park draws more than 12 million visitors annually who want to hike, paddle, explore and more.

I’m one of them. I’ve vacationed in the park for the past 16 years, appreciating its wild beauty more each time I visit. But as much as I love notching climbs to the top of the park’s “High Peaks” — the 46 mountains, near the popular town of Lake Placid, that rise above 4,000 feet — I have experienced crowds, trail erosion and the need for parking reservations. Even with the park’s size — 10 distinct regions and 20 wilderness areas lie within its borders — many visitors don’t venture far from the park’s population centers.

In my travels, I’ve come to discover that seeking out some of less-known spots in the Adirondacks is both a treat and an assist to the park’s sustainability. There’s nothing more authentic than paddling an under-the-radar waterway, or hiking up a little-known mountain to enjoy unfettered views at the top without having to share the granite.

“The quieter parts of the park are untouched,” said Jane Hooper, communications manager for the area’s Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism . “You can find solitude and a real connection with nature. That’s why we love it.”

If you are Adirondacks curious, I recommend you try my quieter approach to the experience, by visiting one of the park’s less-visited counties.

Hamilton County

The state’s least populated county is full of serene beauty, outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind attractions. A jumping-off point could be Blue Mountain Lake, offering both a mountain at an attainable 3,750 feet, and a lake, complete with a boat livery , which has rented boats since 1908. If you’re looking for lodging, there’s Prospect Point , the modern-day version of the first hotel in the world to provide electricity to every room. Weeklong stays in the resort’s 13 cottages begin at $1,600.

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Extreme heat is impacting most Americans’ electricity bills, AP-NORC poll finds

FILE - A person wipes sweat from their brow at Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, Calif., July 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil, File)

FILE - Terry Tang puts paw booties on “Teddy,” a 7-year-old chow mix, at a park, July 15, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — During the summer, Levena Lindahl closes off entire rooms, covers windows with blackout curtains and budgets to manage the monthly cost of electricity for air conditioning. But even then, the heat finds its way in.

“Going upstairs, it’s like walking into soup. It is so hot,” Lindahl said. “If I walk past my attic upstairs, you can feel the heat radiating through a closed door.”

Lindahl, 37, who lives in North Carolina, said her monthly electricity bills in the summer used to be around $100 years ago, but they’ve since doubled. She blames a gradual warming trend caused by climate change.

Around 7 in 10 Americans say in the last year extreme heat has had an impact on their electricity bills, ranging from minor to major, and most have seen at least a minor impact on their outdoor activities, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

As tens of millions of Americans swelter through another summer of historic heat waves, the survey’s findings reveal how extreme heat is changing people’s lives in big and small ways. The poll found that about 7 in 10 Americans have been personally affected by extremely hot weather or extreme heat waves over the past five years. That makes extreme heat a more common experience than other weather events or natural disasters like wildfires, major droughts and hurricanes, which up to one-third of U.S. adults said they’ve been personally affected by.

Sizable shares of Americans – around 4 in 10 – report that extreme heat has had at least a minor impact on their sleep, pets or exercise routine.

Jim Graham, 54, lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and worries about the safety of his dog’s paws when going on walks outside, especially when it gets above 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). To protect her feet, they head out for walks at 5:30 a.m. “This year it seems hotter than usual,” said Graham. His single-level home has central air conditioning and even setting the thermostat to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) runs him over $350 a month in electricity bills, a big jump from what he used to pay about a decade ago.

He’s not the only one watching the dollars add up: About 4 in 10 Americans say they’ve had unexpectedly expensive utility bills in the past year because of storms, flood, heat, or wildfires, including nearly half of homeowners.

Like Lindahl, many see a link to climate change. About 7 in 10 U.S. adults who have experienced some type of severe weather events or weather disasters in the last five years say they believe climate change was a contributing factor. Three in 10 think climate change was not a cause.

Last year Earth was 2.66 degrees Fahrenheit (1.48 degrees Celsius) warmer than it was before pre-industrial times, according to the European climate agency Copernicus . Some might perceive that increase as insignificant, but temperatures are unevenly fluctuating across the planet and can be dangerous to human health. Several regions of the U.S. set all-time temperature records this summer, and Las Vegas reached a scorching 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius) on July 7.

According to the poll, about 1 in 10 Americans say that extreme heat has had a major impact on their sleep in the past year, while about 3 in 10 say it’s had a minor impact and 55% say it’s had no impact. Hispanic Americans are more likely than white Americans to say their sleep has been affected, and lower-income Americans are also more likely than higher-income Americans to report an effect on their sleep.

AP AUDIO: Extreme heat is impacting most Americans’ electricity bills, AP-NORC poll finds

AP correspondent Donna Warder reports on a new poll on how extreme heat is affecting people’s lives.

The effects of extreme heat are more widely reported in the West and South. About half of people living in the West say their sleep has been impacted at least in a minor way by extreme heat, while about 4 in 10 people living in the South say their sleep has been impacted, compared to about 3 in 10 people living in the Midwest and Northeast. People living in the West and South are also more likely than those in the Northeast to say their exercise routines have been affected.

Other aspects of daily life – like jobs and commutes, the timing of events like weddings and reunions, and travel and vacation plans – have been less broadly disrupted, but their impact is disproportionately felt among specific groups of Americans. About one-quarter of Americans say that their travel or vacation plans have been impacted by extreme heat, with Hispanic and Black Americans more likely than white Americans to say this.

Even simply enjoying time outside has become more difficult for some. The poll found that about 6 in 10 Americans say extreme heat has impacted outdoor activities for themselves or their family.

In general, people who don’t believe climate change is happening are less likely to report being affected by various aspects of extreme heat compared to people who do. For instance, about 8 in 10 Americans who believe that climate change is happening say extreme heat has had at least a minor impact on their electricity bills, compared to half of Americans who aren’t sure climate change is happening or don’t think it’s happening.

Mario Cianchetti, 70, is a retired engineer who now lives in Sedona, Arizona. His home has solar panels and heat pumps, which he installed because he was interested in lowering his electricity bills to save money. “When you retire, you’re on a single fixed income. I didn’t want to have to deal with rising energy costs,” said Cianchetti, who identified himself as a political independent.

Cianchetti noted that temperatures feel unusually warm but said installing sustainable technologies in his house was a matter of finance. “It’s not that I don’t believe in climate change, yeah I believe we’re going into a hot cycle here, but I don’t believe that it’s man-caused.”

When it comes to general views of climate change, 70% of U.S. adults say climate change is happening. About 6 in 10 of those who believe climate change is happening say that it’s caused entirely or mostly by human activities, while another 3 in 10 say it’s caused equally by human activities and natural changes to the environment and 12% believe it’s primarily caused by natural environmental change. Nine in 10 Democrats, 7 in 10 independents and about half of Republicans say climate change is happening.

Those numbers are essentially unchanged from when the question was last asked in April and have been steady in recent years, although about half of Americans say they have become more concerned about climate change over the past year.

The poll of 1,143 adults was conducted July 25-29, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.1 percentage points.

O’Malley reported from Philadelphia.

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .