201. Kids who play adventurously are happier and have better mental health
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Children who played adventurously had less anxiety and depression and were generally happier during the COVID-19 lockdowns. In a new study published in the journal Child Psychiatry and Human Development, researchers at the University of Exeter surveyed almost 2,500 parents of children 5 to 11 years old. The researchers asked the parents how often their children engaged in play that was “thrilling and exciting”, play in which the children might experience some fear and uncertainty. They found that children who played outside, doing activities like climbing trees and riding bikes, had fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety and were more positive during the lockdowns. These findings likely apply to kids’ play all the time and not just during the pandemic. Fortunately, these types of activities are usually free, require little equipment or skills, and are available to everyone.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
