“How Play Helps Relieve Stress in Children”

Intro:
Stress isn’t just an adult problem. Studies show that kids feel pressure too — and play is one of the best ways to help them cope.

Body:
According to a review in Frontiers in Psychology (Burdette & Whitaker, 2005), unstructured playtime is proven to lower cortisol levels in children. Outdoor play and free movement help kids process emotions and recharge their mental energy.

A 2017 study in Pediatrics also supports this: children who spend more time in free play have better emotional regulation and fewer behavior problems.

Practical Tips:
✅ Make outdoor play a daily habit — nature reduces stress!
✅ Allow your child to lead the play without over-scheduling.
✅ Play with your child when possible — laughter is a great stress reliever for both!

Closing:
Letting kids be kids is sometimes the best stress relief. A simple daily play routine can make a world of difference.