This may seem like an off-topic for a social anxiety network, but I think that there is a correlation between what activities we do and our anxiety levels. Do you agree or disagree?
Here is a personal story: When I was a child I spent so much time outside, I remember being upset when I had to go inside in the summer and it was still light out. The outdoors was like a haven to me, I felt safe there and I loved spending every moment I could running in the grass, building mud forts with my brother and looking at the stars whether inside or outside. As an adult, I do spend some time outdoors but not nearly as much as I used to. The times when I get to spend a lot of time in nature are when I feel most calm.
I am worried about children now and in the future. I feel that they spend way too much time watching TV, playing video games and using the computer and Internet. Now that I type that, I worry about adults, too. I notice children getting agitated much easier than I used to witness. I wonder if this has anything to do with not getting out doors as much? Thoughts?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
We have two sons, one 10 and one 4. Our 10 year old has more of a desire to go outdoors and spends much time outdoors. Our 4 year old son doesn't seem too interested in many activities and often throws tantrum. Although he does not have as much personal desire to go outside as his older brother, when he does spend times outdoors, which we encourage, he does seem more calm in general.
We have 2 daughters who both love spending time with us, but didn't seem to enjoy time around others. We went to a family therapist and they suggested to spend more time outside.
We started to talk family walks and now our daughters like to spend more time outside and are more open to activities with other people.
I definitely think that time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety.
i have a 12 yr old that has been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. no one ever suggested to try time in nature, but i think i will try this and see if it helps, thanks for the idea
That's great! Thanks for your comments, I am glad to see that others enjoy time outdoors and see it's positive effects.
Jackie, good luck with your son, I personally feel this may help.
Awhile back, while in a dr's waiting room, I read in a Psychology magazine that the average child spends 30 minutes a week outside.
Crazy!
I spend a lot of time outside. I, personally, love the outdoors, which is something I've passed onto my daughters. Even in the cold months I enjoy bundling them up, taking them on walks, going to the park and doing something outside just about every day. Both kids and adults need to get outside and run around a little bit every day.
I had my vitamin D levels checked last year (in the winter) and my dr. said that they are much higher than the average patient she sees. I attribute this to more time in the sunshine.
For myself, I see a direct connection between how happy I am, my level of stress and anxiety and how much exercise I get. I don't know if it's necessarily the amount of time I am outdoors, but when outside I do tend to move more. I find that going to the gym and doing a half an hour of heart racing cardio has the same effect as an afternoon outdoors. It really helps stress and makes me feel happy.
Post a Comment