Do you know the power of play for youngsters and teens? Promoting mental health through recreation and leisure is even more relevant now than it has ever been with the epidemic of smartphones, the internet, and handheld devices to keep kids inside, preoccupied, and by themselves. It’s time we encourage our kids to go outside to play, be with others, and enjoy life.
The Power of Play: You Are Their First Playmate
As a parent playing with your child, you can reap endless benefits not only for your little one but also for you. Being joyful with your child will bring you closer together. In addition, you are laying a foundation for their future well-being.
The Power of Play and Stress
When your child sings, dances, and plays games, their body releases endorphins which promote a feeling of well-being. It can help protect children from stress and encourage physical and mental health.
- The Power of Play and Working Through Difficult Emotions
Children can express many different emotions through their play. They may not be able to talk about it but they can play it out with dolls or other figurines. Witnessing an argument between two people may stay with them until they play it out. Losing a loved one like a grandmother can help them cope in their playtime through creative expression.
As a parent when you play with your children, you can learn what is bothering them, scaring them, or worrying them.
The Power of Physical Play
Not only does physical play outside help them develop motor skills, but it also helps prevent obesity and build confidence. Sliding down a playground slide for the first time by themselves builds self-confidence, and they can learn teamwork when introduced to organized sports.
Playing outdoors:
- Improves a child’s attention span
- Let children use their senses to learn balance
- Studies show the more outside play time, the more academic success
The Power of Play and Extra-Curricular Activities
Teen recreation in nature helps the brain to de-stress and encourages endorphins to stimulate the brain.
Teens who participate in after-school activities like sports and art (especially girls) have better mental health while spending less time online, on phones, and on social media. A study stated taking part in these activities and other leisure activities is associated with higher levels of optimism and life satisfaction. It also promotes lower levels of depression and anxiety. Consequently, they will be less likely to become involved in risky behaviors.
The Power of Playing Team Sports
It’s true, sports boost mental health. Taking part in team sports has a higher impact on mental health than playing individual sports.
More thoughts on this topic:
- A study in Norway found that teens who played team sports were less likely to smoke cigarettes or marijuana. They found less addiction.
- Exercise improves symptoms of depression. It is as effective as antidepressant meds.
- They reduce the risk of teen substance abuse.
- Team sports lower rates of stress, anxiety, and depression.
- It enhances resilience, empathy, and confidence
- Children and teens have improved sleep, which is essential for mental health.
Whether a child is playing tag or a teen is playing sports on a team after school, these are all beneficial activities to promote mental health through recreation and leisure activities.
Mental Health Therapy for Children and Teens in Plymouth, MA
Contact Plymouth Pediatric Associates at (508) 746- 5900 if your child or teen is showing symptoms of anxiety or depression. We can help.
