One of the many highlights of elementary school includes going outside for recess every day, giving kids a chance to move their bodies and talk with friends. However, as these students continue on to junior high and high school, their opportunities to experience time outdoors during school hours are severely limited.
While older children are better at handling the long hours of sitting and learning during their school days, they too can benefit from time spent outdoors, which supports both their mental health and academic performance.
High school students are known for their prominent procrastination skills. It is easy to attribute a lack of focus with distractions, such as a phone, leading students to put off school work. Even in school, students struggle to focus, especially as the day goes on. Providing a break from everything school related would help this problem. Schools could provide a break from the building and the harsh indoor lighting and electronics that contribute to stress. Even outside classes could be a pleasant change of scenery for students, leading to an enhanced desire to learn and focus in school.
As a result of outdoor time, students would be less bored and better focused on their school work, inspiring better behavior from them during school hours. “Lots of research has shown how breaks, especially movement breaks outside, help people of all ages stay more focused and engaged in their work rather than having to slog through hours of indoor work,” explained PE teacher Jane Wheeler. “The junior high PE teachers pushed for a lunch recess to be added to the day for the JH students and they saw improvements in student behavior.”
When each day consists of the same scenery and schedule, change would be beneficial for many students. “My days are often monotonous as they consist of going to school and then coming home to do more work,” senior Manu Mutyala expressed. “I’m often stuck inside trying to finish up my work, so it’d be pleasant to go outside during school for a change of view and get a breath of fresh air.”
Encouraging students to spend time outdoors within the school day has many mental health benefits. Teenagers often deal with mental illness such as seasonal depression and anxiety. While the weather is not always nice enough to go outside, going out when able will still assist in combating these issues. Additionally, spending time away from the crowds, noise and light of the school can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Outdoor time also improves students’ physical health. “Physically, you get more vitamin D from the sun and are often more active when in an outdoor environment,” continued Wheeler. “Also mentally, fresh air and sun are proven to boost mood.”
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, there is a need to take steps to ensure teenagers are establishing healthy habits. It’s difficult for many students to find time to spend outside when they aren’t in school. They get focused on completing homework, participating in extracurricular activities and often spend their free time indoors on electronics. Therefore, students would benefit from schools’ encouragement to spend more time connecting with nature.
