There is no doubt that time in nature is good for children and adults alike. Most people know this from personal experience. But the benefits of nature are also well established in research. Time in nature is restorative in many ways. It feels good physically (biological domain). It also stimulates curiosity, exploration, fun, wonder and other positive emotions. Positive emotions generate energy (negative emotions drain energy).
Knowing and being able to do what helps us restore energy is crucial, because there will always be stress for kids. Some of it is positive and some will be stress stemming from challenges and problems that are an inevitable part of life, learning and relationships.
So restorative activities, including time in nature, are important in both education and family life. This graphic, by educator Kristin Wiens, suggests some simple nature activities that will be fun and restorative for children and the adults in their lives.
Learn more:
You can learn more about restoration in our Self-Reg Foundations Program.
Blog: What Does it Really Mean to Restore
See more fun graphics from Kristin Wiens here.
4 Comments
I always have used nature as my calm place. Plus time for my son and I to play and both feel more calm and refreshed. We both enjoy nature in play and walks and talks. It really helps us both. Outdoors calms us all.
Yvette, I love how you share what’s worked well for you and your son. It’s fantastic to hear that nature makes such a difference for you. Can you share more about your “calm place?”
Aviva
Looking for ideas to use for my classroom and my own grandchildren.
Thanks for your comment, Kelly! I’d be curious to hear what you try and how kids respond.
Aviva