With the current world of increased technological innovation, less time is being spent outside. Children are being raised with cellphones, tablets, and computers, and recreational time is being spent indulged in technology rather than enjoying the outdoors and the surrounding environment. Twenty years ago, children would play outside all day long, engaging in activities like bike rides, sports, fort building, and outdoor games. According to a 2010 Kaiser Foundation study, elementary aged children use entertainment technologies about 7.5 hours per day on average (Rowan 1). As a result of decreased time spent outside, studies have found an increase of physical, psychological, and behavioral disorders including child obesity, diabetes, ADHD, learning difficulties, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders to name a few (Rowan 1).

 

Nature provides several benefits: 

• improved cognitive functioning 

• increased concentration

• greater attention capabilities 

• reduced stress 

• improved social skills