We all know how overwhelming it can be as a student. In today’s fast-paced educational environment, they face a multitude of pressures, from academic expectations to social dynamics. The resulting stress can have significant impacts on their mental and physical health, as well as their overall well-being. One effective way to combat this stress is through outdoor activities and here’s why!
Lowers stress-hormones
Being in nature and spending time outdoors can reduce stress by lowering cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Getting involved in fun and thrilling activities, or even just spending time outdoors can be a great stress reliever for your students.
At PGL, we have many activities to reduce stress for students, including beach/coastal/burn walks, energetic team games, adrenaline-filled experiences and much more!
Gives students a break from technology
Students are constantly connected to their devices, which can contribute to stress. Outdoor activities provide a much-needed break from screens and technology, allowing students to reset their minds, engage with their surroundings, and interact with people face-to-face. Heading to an outdoor activity camp could be great for a post-exam celebration! After having their heads down in revision, work, and exams, there’s nothing better than giving them a break at an activity camp where they can have fun with friends away from the classroom.
Builds resilience
Outdoor activities are fantastic for building pupil resilience! Through winning, losing, and overcoming challenges, students will learn how to deal with situations so they can bounce back without getting stressed. This can have positive effects on their school and personal lives too!
Create new relationships & social connections
Perhaps your students are stressed with adjusting to life at secondary school. Are they finding it difficult to make new friends? Many outdoor activities involve social interaction, which is a crucial aspect of stress management. Spending time with friends and participating in team activities can provide students with a sense of belonging.
These social connections offer emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and create opportunities for shared experiences and laughter. That’s why our adventure camps are ideal for year 7 students as they provide opportunities for classmates to connect through team games and challenges, in different ways than in the classroom.
Activities to reduce stress for students
Go for a walk
A simple walk for your students can do a world of good! If they’re revising at home, then taking breaks for a bit of fresh air is great for resetting the mind and reducing stress. At PGL, depending on the centre you’re staying at, one of the activities available is going for a walk along the coast or even to the nearby burn.
Outdoor games
Exercise is an amazing de-stressor. Any kind of outdoor activity or sport is a great stress reliever, whether your students play a sport on the weekend with a team or just head to the local park with their friends. We have a huge selection of outdoor activities that your students can get involved with! From watersports to high ropes and land-based challenges.
Go out with friends and family
Spending time with family and friends is always good for students if they’re feeling stressed. Talking to someone and expressing how they feel can release a lot of stress in itself. Friends always put a smile on your face, so that is just another reason why PGL outdoor adventure camps are so great, they allow students to share the epic experience with their best friends!
Outdoor adventure camps with PGL!
Our residential school trips offer pupils an experience they’ll never forget! Life at PGL is about adventure, fun and laughter! With fantastic group activities galore, your students will never tire of the wide range of adrenaline-fuelled activities and amazing activities into the evening too.
We provide school trips for primary schools and secondary schools that are all about outdoor education!
At PGL, we have an exceptional offering of trips, locations and activities to enjoy, so get in touch today to discuss your next school trip.
