Kids and teenagers are staying inside more and playing on their phones or playing video games instead of being outside playing or working. This is causing mental and physical problems in their lives. These problems could be solved by being outside and putting phones away for as little as 20 minutes a day.

First of all, being outside for as little as 20 minutes a day can solve small cases of anxiety and depression. It also can improve one’s mood and reduce feelings of anger and stress. Stress can be relieved within minutes of being outside. Time spent outside reduces your cortisol, which is a stress hormone. 

Not only does being outside help with mental health it also can help with things such as improving one’s immune system. Scientists believe that breathing in phytoncides increases levels of white blood cells that help fight off infections and diseases. Being outside also helps vitamin D levels rise. 

Lastly, being inside all day can also mess up people’s sleep schedules because they stay awake all night. When it is daylight outside it sends a signal that keeps people awake and alert and at night human brains release melatonin to help people get sleepy. This means staying inside all day wouldn’t let that signal go through your body to stay awake and it keeps people from getting tired as easily. 

A logical solution for kids being inside and not being outside is to take away their phones or even for the parents to make fun games or things for kids to do outside. If they were to do that, it would help kids and teens’ immune systems get better so they wouldn’t be sick all the time and also help mental problems such as depression and anxiety.