Benefits of Being Active in the Summer

Each week, through our e-newsletter and online, Christine Simon from Honest Growth, LLC, will be reaching out to families to help guide them on a path to stronger, healthier relationships as well as showcasing steps towards growing positive mental health for your kids and teens. Christine is local to Livingston County and available to work with you and your family.

This week she tackles the topic of "The importance of staying active during the summer"

Benefits of Youth Activity in the Summertime

It may be more important than ever to get your child(ren) out and about this summer. Studies are showing that now more than ever our youth are in need of extra curricular activities whether with family members or friends. There are numerous physical and mental health benefits from youth involvement in volunteering, exploring, creating or engaging in various activities.

Some of the benefits are:

Reduced cortisol
Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
Increased vitamin D
Improved sleep quality and increased duration
Increased overall well-being
Improved cognition and creativity
Less rumination
Improved relationships (Reynolds)
Enhance Important Life Skills
Maintain Meaningful Friendships
A Chance to Gain Experience and Get Ahead (Whichard)

Some ideas for getting kids outside and active:

Encourage outdoor playtime: Whether it's at the park, in the backyard, or just around the neighborhood, getting kids outside to play and explore is a great way to boost their mood and help them stay physically active.
Plan outdoor activities: Hiking, biking, swimming, and other outdoor activities are great ways to keep kids engaged and active during the summer months.
Limit screen time: limits on screen time and encourage kids to find other ways to spend their time.
Encourage creativity: Art projects, building with blocks or Legos, and other creative activities can help kids channel their energy and emotions in a positive way.
Connect with nature: Spending time in nature has many mental health benefits. Take your kids on a nature walk, go to the beach, or just spend some time sitting with them on the porch and enjoying the fresh air. (“Summer Boost for Mental Health of Kids”)
Camps/Community Centers: Connecting kids with summer camps and community centers encourages peer relationship building and learning. Sign your child up for a local church/sports camp, community recreation activities, or an overnight camp.