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Nature-Deficit Disorder is a condition caused by spending too much time indoors, cut off from sunlight and fresh air. This is often the result of modern technology and living situations, which encourage us to handle boredom and discontentment without even getting off the couch. However, all of this inactivity can cause serious problems, both mentally and physically — especially for our children. So today, Our 4 Outdoors shares some tips to help you eliminate this problem before it starts.
 
Understanding the Problem
 
There’s no question that advances in technology and living situations have done wonders for human health – not to mention our lifespan. But all those advancements come with a cost. These days, many kids spend far too much time with their devices, meaning that they aren’t getting the fresh air and exercise they need, not to mention the Vitamin D from sunlight.
 
Unfortunately, this problem impacts adults as well as children. As this feeling of disconnection with nature increases, we find ourselves experiencing reduced attention spans, increased problems with obesity, and higher instances of both physical and emotional illnesses, including stress, irritability, and feelings of unfulfillment and uselessness. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way!
 
What You Can Do About It
 
Luckily, you don’t have to haul your family to the closest beach or national park to get them straightened out. In fact, there are so many great ways you can keep your kids healthy — and outdoors — right in your own backyard, from painting to constructing your own ninja warrior course for your kids.
 
You can also stock up on fresh air, relaxation, and exercise at the same time by hitting the trails for a little mountain biking. In fact, nature also has a way of making learning fun – even if it’s only in your own backyard! Check out these great ideas from Earth Science Jr which include fossil hunting and backyard astronomy. And if you thought reading was a strictly indoor activity, click here for 6 Ways You Can Learn to Enjoy Reading Outside.
 
If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of games that don’t require any equipment at all. On the other hand, you could always consider investing in your own basketball court or backyard playground or swing set, especially if you anticipate your kids using them for years to come.
 
Also, if you’re a dog-owner, you’re in luck! Taking your dog for walks (or runs) is a great way to keep your pet happy and healthy while also getting exercise and fresh air for you and our family. A quick tip, though: you might want to invest in a dog collar with a GPS chip, in case you and your exercise buddy get separated.
 
The good thing about addressing nature-deficit disorder is that it doesn’t take a lot of money or time — all you need to do is get outside! And with these resources, you should have plenty of inspiration to help get everyone detached from tech and off the couch for a while!
 
Our 4 Outdoors strives to fill this website with ideas, tips, and helpful guides to inspire and inform you about the ways we get our (Formerly 4, now 8 kids) outdoors, in order to help you get your kids outdoors too! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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Image Credit: Yan Krukov via Pexels

This is a guest post from our friend Laura Pearson at http://edutude.net/ . We love her perspective on this topic and hope you'll check out her website of learning resources.

The pace at which we live life is getting busier and busier, thanks in part to technology and the fact that we live in an ambitious world, where there is always just one more thing to get in a day. The same is true for our kids who can also feel overextended when it comes to school, their friends, and their hobbies which can leave them wanting more time for themselves, but they may be unsure of how to get there. Here are a few self-care principles you can instill in your child so that they can thrive in the days ahead, presented by Our 4 Outdoors.

Teach Them Healthy Basic Habits

Teaching your kids how to take care of themselves from a young age from healthy grooming habits to taking pride in their appearance, to eating better, are the types of basic life principles that can become part of your child’s daily habits so that they grow to feel more confident within themselves.
 
Teach your kids about the importance of good work/life balance. Even though they may not have traditional jobs for a while, they feel stress from school and household responsibilities, too. Show them the value of taking breaks and doing mental health checks throughout the day. And fill the kitchen with healthy snacks and pause to talk about how they feel after eating apple chips and string cheese versus cookies and chips. Highlighting these small steps can help your kids learn how to manage their own stress levels now and in the future.

Take Time to Talk about Their Feelings

One of the things that children adore most is one-on-one time with you. Therefore, be sure to set aside time in your busy schedule for them to talk to them about their feelings. This way you teach them the importance of opening up about their feelings so that they can manage and overcome negative emotions instead of suppressing them and resorting to unhealthy habits later on.

Encourage Them to be Active

According to statistics, childhood obesity is escalating. That’s why it’s vital to encourage them to get moving at a young age, not only for their physical well-being but for their mental health too. Moreover, you could make exercising together with them a daily habit, which can give you precious time to talk to each other more and strengthen your bond even further.
 
You can even take inspiration from the family at Our 4 Outdoors regarding ways to get your family outside and adventuring. This family does it all, from hiking to rafting, so check them out and learn from their experiences.

Practice the Art of Gratitude

Perhaps one of the most vital traits you can teach your kids is the art of gratitude. Gratitude, together with humility, can help boost your child’s confidence and self-assurance levels so that they become well-adjusted, well-rounded adults who aren't arrogant or overbearing.
 
There is so much competition and comparison nowadays that children are feeling more pressure than ever to live up to a certain perceived standard of excellence. This could, understandably, lead to feelings of frustration and disappointment if they feel that they don't quite measure up to society's standards. In this instance, teaching them how to be grateful in every circumstance could be the saving grace they need to face tough situations with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Be Role Models

According to research, kids learn from the behavior of their parents. Therefore, if you aren’t exhibiting healthy lifestyle patterns, then we cannot expect them to. Essentially, if it all starts with you, and they look up to you, then it may be time to start implementing healthier habits if you feel that there could be room to improve upon. For example, perhaps you’ve left your home to reach a chaotic stage because you’re overworked and just don’t have the time to give it a thorough spring clean. If so, you could start with clearing away the clutter, bringing in more light and fresh air, adding a few houseplants, and even adding a diffuse here and there to your home to make it feel lighter, brighter, calmer, and happier.
 
In summary, self-care is just as vital for kids as it is for adults, perhaps more so in the formative years, when they are capable of learning and absorbing so much that will set the course for the rest of their lives. Take the time to talk about and model healthy habits, and do your best to get outside more as a family. You will all feel better physically and mentally, and your kids will remember that as they grow up.

We will be presenting this Wednesday at Auntie's Bookstore in Spokane, WA.  This is our final presentation for the summer, so don't miss it!  We'll give our best tips for creating a memorable family vacation in the parks, including some specifics for Yellowstone, Glacier, and Utah's parks, then finish up with plenty of time for Q&A.  Hope to see you there!

If you are in the Spokane, WA area this Thursday and want to see our slideshow on our best tips for family vacations in the National Parks, then stop by Mountain Gear at 7pm.  We'll give our presentation, which also includes specific tips for Yellowstone, Glacier, and the UT Parks, and then follow it up with plenty of time for Q&A.  See you there!