Spending time in nature is a fundamental need for many, playing a vital role in maintaining emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. It is well-documented that time spent in natural settings can strengthen heart health, regulate sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In addition to these physical benefits, nature also significantly enhances mental health by improving mood and reducing feelings of stress or anger. While the positive effects of nature are widely recognized, the idea of engaging in arts and crafts within natural environments tends to get overlooked on, especially among young people. However, creating art in nature offers numerous benefits for children.
Enhanced Emotional Wellbeing and Social Skills
Engaging in arts and crafts within natural environments significantly contributes to the emotional and social development of children. Research has shown that such activities help reduce stress and anger while promoting positive social behaviours. When children immerse themselves in creative activities surrounded by nature, they not only develop artistic skills but also build emotional resilience. Moreover, these experiences reinforce a sense of responsibility and independence, while heightening their awareness of the environment. This strong connection with nature helps children grow into more conscious and empathetic individuals, both on a personal and societal level, laying the groundwork for future success and happiness by boosting their self-confidence.
Improved Cognitive and Developmental Skills
Participating in arts and crafts in natural settings supports brain development and contributes to the growth of essential skills such as emotional regulation, empathy, and imagination. The freedom to experiment with various materials without being tied to a specific goal fosters cognitive growth and creativity, which are crucial for the development of early academic and social-emotional skills. These creative activities in nature not only stimulate children’s curiosity but also enhance their problem-solving abilities. As a result, children who spend time engaged in artistic endeavours outdoors develop stronger mental and emotional faculties, positively impacting their overall quality of life.
Increased Environmental Awareness and Mental Health Benefits
Taking part in creative activities outdoors not only raises children’s environmental awareness but also reinforces pro-environmental behaviours and improves their mental health. Interaction with nature through these activities helps reduce eco-anxiety and promotes overall happiness, self-esteem, and mood. Through these creative experiences, children develop a deeper connection to both nature and their local environment. This process encourages them to see themselves as an integral part of the natural world, fostering a greater awareness of the importance of environmental preservation.
Ultimately doing arts and crafts in nature supports children’s mental health, providing them with the emotional tools necessary for leading a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Consequently, children’s relationship with nature is strengthened, and they grow into more environmentally conscious individuals.
During “Psychology in the Garden,” our upcoming Saturday Camp Willingness programme, your child will experience the unique benefits of combining arts and crafts with nature. Through creative activities in an outdoor setting, they will build emotional resilience, improve social skills, and strengthen their connection with the environment. Surrounded by nature, children will develop mindfulness, emotional regulation, and a deeper awareness of the world around them. Held every Saturday between 8am and 2pm in Malta and Gozo, this programme provides a holistic approach to mental well-being. More information about Psychology in the Garden here.
Eda Balakbabalar is a psychology undergraduate at Eötvös Loránd University. She is currently working as an intern at Willingness. She previously completed a bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching and has interned in the fields of education and sexual and reproductive health. She is also pursuing her studies to become a holistic sex educator and is interested in expanding her knowledge and experience in psycho-sexology.
References
Huotilainen, M., Rankanen, M., Groth, C., Seitamaa-Hakkarainen, P., & Mäkelä, M. (2018). Why our brains love arts and crafts: Implications of creative practices on psychophysical well-being. FormAkademisk, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.7577/formakademisk.1908
Mayar, F. (2022). Developing Children’s Creativity Through the Art of Crafts. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.220602.007.
Moula, Z., Palmer, K., & Walshe, N. (2022). A Systematic Review of Arts-Based Interventions Delivered to Children and Young People in Nature or Outdoor Spaces: Impact on Nature Connectedness, Health and Wellbeing. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 858781. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.858781
Murphy, M. C. (2018). ‘Exploring the “Construction” strand in the Irish Primary School Visual Arts Curriculum through the Forest School approach.’ Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 18(3), 257–274. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2018.1443481
Sobko, T., Liang, S., Cheng, W. H. G., & Tun, H. M. (2020). Impact of outdoor nature-related activities on gut microbiota, fecal serotonin, and perceived stress in preschool children: the Play&Grow randomized controlled trial. Scientific reports, 10(1), 21993. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-78642-2Walshe, N., Bungay, H., & Dadswell, A. (2023). Sustainable Outdoor Education: Organisations Connecting Children and Young People with Nature through the Arts. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053941.