Unplug and Recharge: The Importance of Outdoor Play

In today’s digital age, screens have become an integral part of our lives. From schoolwork for our kids and work for us, and entertainment, we’re constantly surrounded by technology and it’s almost impossible to avoid.

Don’t get me wrong, technology allows me to talk to clients from anywhere in Australia, and gives my kids access to educational games and, well let’s face it, helps keep them entertained. While there are a number of great things about technology, we also need to be away of the negative affects it can bring.

Are your kids struggling to sleep at night, or can’t put their iPad down to eat dinner? We have become so reliant on technology, it’s easy to forget that it’s not all positive. It isn’t about removing technology from our lifestyles completely, but rather limited use and prioritising getting outdoors and knowing when its time to shut down those devices. And it's all well and good for me to say that, but let’s have a closer look at the why.

Here's a scary stat for you – the average child only gets about 4-7 minutes of outdoor play per day. Now, of course, our kids get outdoor play during school lunches – but what about during the school holidays? We’re all busy, it’s hot – of course it’s easy to just chuck on a movie in the aircon. The recommended amount of outdoor play for our kids is three hours. Yes, that’s a lot, and may be very hard to maintain BUT it’s a very large gap from 4 minutes to three hours.

Let’s have a quick look at what too much technology can lead to in our kids.

• Addiction: Excessive use of technology can lead to addiction, characterized by compulsive behaviours and difficulty limiting screen time. This can negatively impact relationships, school/work, and overall well-being.
• Decreased Social Skills: Reliance on technology can lead to decreased face-to-face interactions, potentially hindering the development of social skills and interpersonal relationships. This can make it challenging to connect with others on a deeper level and navigate social situations.
• Distractibility: Constant notifications and updates can make it difficult to focus and concentrate, leading to decreased productivity and attention span. This can impact academic and professional performance, as well as personal relationships.
• Isolation: Excessive screen time can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness, particularly among young people. This can lead to a decline in mental health and a reduced sense of belonging.

And the big one…

• Sleep disruption: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. This can lead to fatigue, irritability, and decreased cognitive function.  

All these not only impact home life, but can also contribute to difficulty at school, and, later in life, work.

Now, it’s easy to say ‘technology is bad avoid it.’ But, that doesn’t really help without a solution.  As I mentioned earlier, outdoor play is decreasing as technology becomes more popular. And, well, it’s a fairly easy solution that comes with a number of benefits, aside from combatting those negative side affects that come with excessive technology use.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

• Improved Bone Health: Weight-bearing exercises, such as running, jumping, and climbing, are essential for strong bones. Regular outdoor play provides ample opportunities for these types of activities.
• Vitamin D Production: Sunlight exposure helps our bodies produce vitamin D, a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Spending time outdoors, especially during peak sunlight hours, can help ensure adequate vitamin D levels.
• Grounding: Walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass or sand can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. This practice, known as grounding or earthing, involves connecting with the Earth's natural energy.
• Mental Health Benefits: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and boost creativity. Studies have found that exposure to natural environments can have a positive impact on cognitive function, attention span, and problem-solving skills

 As I said before, it’s impossible to avoid technology, but it’s important we know why so many people suggest unplugging and going into the outdoors. On those days or weeks where you know it’s just not possible to get outside, consider playing a board game, good old fashioned family games like charades. And, if you're worried about Vitamin D, why not try some Vitamin D drops for the kids to make sure they remain happy and healthy. 

I’m not saying we all need to spend three hours outside, but we certainly need to spend more than four minutes – so, let’s aim for at least one and a half hours a day. It doesn’t have to be complicated! Simply going for a walk down the street, getting a soccer ball out and playing in the yard, or going to a park in the afternoon will get you and your kids away from those computer screens and enjoying the benefits of outdoor play.