WELLBEING

Exercise and Wellbeing

We are all aware of the physical benefits of exercise and physical activity, such as fitness, maintaining a healthy weight and building strength. But exercise has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing as well.

Exercise helps change where the brain directs its energy. For example, instead of worrying the brain directs its energy to coordination and focus. 

Some of the benefits of exercise include:

- Self-regulation – some people use physical activity to burn off stress and anger overload which helps calm the brain and body.

- Develop social skills – team activities can be useful in developing social skill such as sharing, negotiation, turn-taking and problem solving. Positive social relationships are linked to increased mental health.

- Lifting mood – exercise released endorphins which make us happier.

- Improved sleep patterns.

- Building self-esteem – a sense of achievement can help increase our self-worth. 

- Increase learning ability and cognitive functioning – physical activity assists in improving alertness and overall energy levels, resulting in increased concertation.

Some children enjoy sports and physical activity more than others. Organised and team sports are a great way increase physical activity. However, they are not the only options. Physical activity doesn’t have to mean huffing, puffing and overexerting oneself. 

Some simple options to increase physical activity include:

-Find what you child likes to do. If your child loves music, find some dance videos to wiggle too or have a dance party! If your children have smart watches, have a friendly family competition to see who can get the most steps in a day.

- Going for a walk isn’t always a great deal of fun, so be creative. Go on a bear hunt, scavenger hunt or play follow the leader.

- Draw a maze on the concrete driveway with chalk and let the kids go crazy!

- make an obstacle course using things you have around the home. Go under the table over the stump, around the tree.

- Wheelbarrow or crab walking races.

- Have a clean-up race. Beneficial in more ways than one! Set a timer and see who can clean up the most. 

- Play hopscotch. It’s a bit of an oldy, but kids still love hopscotch and it’s easy to draw up with chalk.

- Bowling – make your own set with plastic cups of bottles.

- Play twister – a great way to get the whole family laughing as well as moving!

- Puddle jumping. Rug the kids up and let the go nuts in the puddles. This is sure to get young kids moving. 

- Sponge toss – in summer give the kids a bucket and sponges and let them throw them at a wall. 

- Treasure hunts – hide treasures around the house/yard. The sandpit is another great option.

- Include the kids in gardening. They often enjoy raking up leaves and helping in the yard. 

Make it fun by seeing who can make the biggest pile. Jump in the pile and then rake it up again!

Nicki Chalmers

Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator.