Interacting with the natural world can be an enriching experience for people of all ages, but especially for children. With plenty of volunteer opportunities in Utah, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, you can help children gain access to the outdoors and receive these benefits.
Here are a few ways children can benefit from time spent in nature:
Health and Wellness
One of the most significant benefits people of all ages get from spending time out in nature is a general increase in wellbeing. Getting away from the crowded city centers of an urban environment gives you the chance to breathe easier. Spending time in a lush area, like a forest, means plenty of plants and trees around, soaking up the carbon in the air and providing the surrounding area with fresh oxygen straight from the source. With oxygen being the fuel required for every one of the body’s processes, this translates directly into improved physical health and increased energy levels in the body.
Fewer Distractions, Clearer Minds
Another significant benefit of spending time in nature is removing other types of pollution that are often overlooked. Noise and light pollution. In a busy city, noise and light can become overwhelming at times, and letting your senses rest away from it all can help give the mind a bit of a reset. This can help to stabilize a person’s mood and give them a better sense of perspective when facing the challenges of their day-to-day life. Along with this and participating in volunteer opportunities in Utah, a child can gain increased abilities in emotional regulation over time.
Bolster Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills
At home, there’s a tool for everything. But in nature, you often have to get a little more innovative and resourceful to solve problems that arise. This allows children to improve their problem-solving skills and apply more mechanical, creative solutions to things that would otherwise be simple tasks. This can lead to increased aptitude later in life and is an excellent introduction to the STEM field. Participating in volunteer opportunities in Utah with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah can help a child grow into a skillful adult. Learn more about our programs by visiting bbbsu.org/.
