Have you ever heard the saying, “there’s nothing new under the sun”? As time passes by you can start to see how true that statement is; there is nothing in this world that has not happened already, been created, or things exist currently as they always have.
Before entering into this “new normal”, the term “we outside” had a different meaning. In our interview with expert Coach Ann and youth development specialists, we speak on the disconnect between millennials and generation z; sports and outdoor activities. Have you noticed children don’t go outside for fun anymore?
The world of social media has become the main focus of youth with platforms such as Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. As well as Youtube, which is swarming with influencers.
Studies have shown how social media, can have a lasting negative toll on one’s mental health. Leading to mental conditions like anxiety and depression. The leading effect when it comes to sports and outside activities has caused a low rate when it comes to depression and anxiety. Helping to be a stress relief, confidence builder, and self-esteem core.
Sports have caused juveniles to be less immune to substance abuse and allow them to not be statistics to the criminal system. It gives them as a youth a sense of being, giving them the drive to excellence in anything they put their minds to. Being physically active helps to give disciple which helps to give structure leading into adulthood.
It goes back to the question at hand, have you noticed children don’t go outside for fun anymore? When you think back to when you were a child what were your favorite moments? Was it at the block party? The handball game at the playground? Or swinging on the swings? The moments of just being outside and enjoying it with your friend or confidant.
These are the things that are becoming a lost form but with community anything is possible. When lost forms begin to get caught in the mix it’s important nowadays to take note because although we have formed this “new normal” it doesn’t mean that we have to lose its art form it is all about recreating it for a new generation.
Understanding that outdoor activities not only builts the mental but the physical stamina to withstand through life; with these tools, you can be like the metaphor about the rabbit and the turtle. This is a marathon so you might as well get in the race.
#TheDiaryOfAdulting 
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