YOUTH: Getting Outside Can Boost Mental Health

Courtesy photo of Purdue Extension Benton County

Did you know that the fourth H in 4-H stands for health? Keeping a regular schedule, consuming healthy foods and getting daily physical activity is key for youth — and all of us — to combat restlessness, stress or anxiety. 

One way to support positive mental health is to get outside! Going outside is still OK as long as we follow the latest social distancing guidelines intended to curb the spread of COVID-19. 

Common positive benefits of being outside and enjoying nature include: 

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Increased positive affect
• Elevated mood 

Angie Frost, Indiana 4-H Healthy Living Specialist, suggests the following resources for ideas and inspiration: 

Places in Indiana where you can enjoy nature

Reasons to get outside for positive mental health

Activities to enjoy while observing social distancing 

While we need to practice social distancing right now, we don’t need to be socially isolated. So get outside and enjoy the positive benefits!

In such a public setting, the Centers for Disease Control now recommend wearing cloth face coverings. For a guide on how to create your own cloth face coverings, visit the CDC website.

4-H Youth Development is the nation’s largest youth development program, administered in Indiana by Purdue Extension through our land-grant university system. 

For more healthy living activities for youth, contact Angie Frost.