World Mental Health Day: The Benefits of Nature and Green Spaces | idverde's Perspective
At iidverde, we firmly believe that one of the most powerful tools for mental health is also one of the simplest: nature.
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idverde provides a wide range of green services, including grounds maintenance, landscape creation, and advice services, to both private and public sectors across the UK.
07 October 2024
Active Lives: Why Outdoor Gyms and Play Areas for Kids are Essential for Health and Happiness
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining physical health is more crucial than ever. For adults, hitting the gym is a popular way to stay fit, while kids benefit immensely from play areas. Both activities are essential for health and development, especially when they don’t feel like exercise. Parks and outdoor spaces create environments where all can have fun engaging in an activity which does not feel like a chore.
Adults and the Gym: A Health Necessity
Regular exercise is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. For adults, going to the gym offers numerous benefits. But the indoor gym is not for everyone. Our Creating Play department provides outdoor gym equipment in many parks so people can enjoy nature while they support their health with no costs to the consumer and is accessible:
1. Physical Health:
Regular gym workouts help reduce the risk of major illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Exercise also helps in maintaining a healthy weight, improving cardiovascular health, and boosting muscle strength.
2. Mental Well-being:
Physical activity is known to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance sleep quality. It stimulates brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.
3. Longevity:
Engaging in regular physical activity can lower the risk of early death by up to 30%. It also helps in managing chronic conditions and improving overall quality of life.
Kids and Play Areas: Fun and Development Combined
For children, play is more than just fun—it’s a vital part of their development:
1. Physical Development:
Play areas encourage kids to run, jump, climb, and explore, which is crucial for developing motor skills, bone density, and muscle strength. Outdoor play also helps in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing future health issues.
2. Mental and Emotional Health:
Playing outside could reduce anxiety and stress, boosts self-esteem, and enhances mood. It provides a break from structured activities and allows kids to use their imagination and creativity.
3. Social Skills:
Play areas offer opportunities for children to interact with peers, develop empathy, and learn social norms. These interactions are essential for building communication skills and emotional intelligence.
When Exercise Does not Feel Like Exercise
The key to making physical activity enjoyable is to ensure it does not feel like a chore. For adults, this might mean finding a routine that includes activities they love, such as group classes, sports, or their local green space. For kids, play areas provide a natural and enjoyable way to stay active without the pressure of structured exercise.
Whether it’s adults hitting the gym or kids enjoying play areas, both activities are fundamental for health and development. By making these activities enjoyable, we can ensure that everyone stays active and healthy.
Our Creating Play team are passionate experts in designing spaces for both adults and kids. From outdoor gyms to play areas.
Contact us today to find out how we can elevate your play needs: idverde.co.uk/creating-play
