The Hidden Health Benefits Of Mud Play
Maybe you remember making mud pies as a child. You may not have been aware of anything other than how fun it was, but that classic playtime has many other benefits. Unfortunately, those types of childhood experiences are becoming more rare. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, children today spend less time outdoors than any other generation. But getting outdoors to play in the mud is well worth the mess.
Mud makes you happy. According to research, mud contains bacteria that produce the chemical serotonin in the brain, which leads to a feeling of well-being. So playing with mud can reduce anxiety and improve your mood.
Stronger immune systems. Early exposure to bacteria and microbes found in dirt and on plants can support healthy immune development. "Beneficial microbiota helps build immunity in babies and children and has a role in preventing allergies, asthma, obesity, and other noninfectious conditions," says Dr. Mattke, a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic Children's Center.
Fosters creativity and problem-solving. Making and mixing during pretend play supports cognitive and social-emotional development. With just dirt, water, and maybe some seeds, an entire world of possibilities opens up.
Sensory stimulation. Outdoor play with organic materials is a complete sensory experience. And sensory play is important to a child's early brain development by helping to build nerve connections in their brain's pathways, which can help your child complete complex tasks.
As it turns out, there's much more to mud play below the surface.