As we are all aware, exercise offers an abundant amount of physical benefits. Having an active lifestyle can reduce the risks of major illness, control weight and promote the health of your heart and bones. Whatever age you are, there is scientific evidence to show that exercise helps everyone lead a healthier and even happier life.
Exercise may seem to just have its positive physical benefits, but exercise and leading an active daily life is one of the most effective ways to promote good mental health and mental development.
In regards to our children, keeping active through play or sport, promotes the same mental benefits found in adults. Exercise is known to improve the moods of children, improve confidence and improve sleeping habits and patterns – All factors of which translate into social, educational and behavioural means.
Exercise is known to relieve tension and stress, and promote all round mental and physical well-being. Keeping active is a great medium and outlet for relieving stresses and anxiety, and can focus challenging behaviour into something highly constructive, with positive outcomes such as heightened confidence and determination. Exercise releases endorphins – our body’s natural pain remedy and ‘happy chemical’. When released, endorphins make us feel better, improve our moods, increase pleasure and minimize pain; it has also been found that those who lead active lifestyles are 30% less likely to suffer from depression!
From competing in sport and leading an active lifestyle, children are more likely to develop a healthy self-perception and body image, and have more confidence. Emotionally, exercise is an amazing tool, allowing children to push themselves, have determination, and attain a sense of achievement and self-confidence; all of which translate to life in important aspects.
Regular exercise has also been related to the production of cells within the brain responsible for learning and memory. Being active also increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and glucose which are vital ingredients in promoting mental function and alertness.
Getting your child involved in sport and promoting an active lifestyle is a great way of making a conscious effort to support your child’s development. Find a fun activity for your child to get involved in and be a good role model. Get the entire family involved in physical activity and reap the various benefits together. Not only will it promote physical and mental development, it is a great way to spend quality time together. Cycle, take walks, have a kick-about in the park, or even walk to school instead of driving. Small changes make a big difference!
Getting your child involved in a team-sport or group-sport allows them to socialise amongst other children and develops new relationships whilst also promoting social skills and co-operation. These factors can help with emotional and behavioural development, as team-sport allows quality; constructive time spent building relationships with individuals who have a shared interest.
Parents and teachers can take cue regarding the cognitive benefits of exercise, encouraging children to be more active and engage in sports and play, in and out of the curriculum.