We’re raising a generation of children that are bombarded with technology. And it’s not good for them. The lure of game consoles. Social media and “reality” TV are damaging the physical and mental health of your child.
It’s no coincidence that anxiety and depression in teenagers are at an all-time high. A study earlier this year found that 57% of teenage girls say they have feelings of persistent loneliness and suicidal thoughts.
In addition to technology, a lack of exercise is also having a negative impact on children. Throw in a “nature deficiency disorder” and you have a depressed and anxious child that will mature into a neurotic adult.
That’s good news for pharmaceutical companies that make a killing from anti-depressants, but it damages society on a grand scale. Children that show signs of attention difficulties and obesity are at a high risk of developing neurosis as an adult.
And people with neuroses experience higher rates of emotional and physical illnesses. Studies have found a correlation between neuroses and common illnesses including cardiac issues, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, and asthma.
Physicians around the world are urging parents to encourage their children to play outdoors. Humans need to be in nature. Mother Earth is an integrative factor for optimum health.
Encourage Movement
Playing outside, or any outdoor activity encourages movement. This is important for the development of a child’s muscles. Being out in the open air is also good for cognitive function and psychological development.
Breathing deeply gets more oxygen into the lungs and strengthens the immune system. This helps your child’s natural body defences to stave off colds and other illnesses.
Build Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
A leading cause of anxiety and depression in teenagers is a lack of self-esteem and self-confidence. Playing outdoors with their friends helps children to strengthen bonds. This is good for establishing self-esteem and self-confidence which they can take into adulthood.
Benefits for physical and emotional health
Other studies have shown that playing outdoors can help to reduce attention deficit disorder. Physical exercise also relieves stress and anxiety because it releases endorphins in the brain — neurotransmitters that give you a natural high and help to make you feel good about yourself.
Experts have also linked playing outdoors to the development of immunity. One reason is the vitamin D we get from the sun, but there are also studies that show being in nature is a natural remedy that improves general health and well-being.
Nature walks have been suggested as a good way to encourage children to venture outdoors more often. With a little invention, you can create activities that keep kids entertained and excited.
You can also download apps that help to educate children — which stimulates curiosity, aids learning and teaches them how to think as well as observe. This is all good for developing a healthy psychology and personality.
If we are to rescue future generations from the psychological torment that technology is causing to our inner world, we should probably think about getting back to basics — and playing outdoors like you did in the ‘good ol’ days.’