The importance of being physically active
Hola families,
A few days ago, I read a small article about the benefits of physical activity for young people. I want to share it with you. I hope you find it helpful!
Why is being active important for young people?
Getting enough physical activity is vital in maintaining young people’s health and well-being. Regular exercise can also help young people thrive and achieve their goals.
Some of the benefits of regular physical activity include the following:
- Feeling more energetic
- Deeper sleep
- Improved heart health
- Strengthened muscles and bones
- A reduced risk of developing chronic diseases and
- Improved attention span
How being active can help your teenager’s mental health
Regular physical activity can positively impact young people’s mental health.
Physical activity releases feel-good chemicals in the brain. These reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help improve a young person’s sense of control, coping ability and self-esteem.
Research has shown that people who are physically active regularly tend to experience lower rates of mental illness and a great sense of well-being.
How can you help your child to be physically active?
Here are some tips to help your young person to be active:
- Help your teen find something that they enjoy doing. This may be a structured sport but may also be a dance class, yoga, bushwalk or running group with no formal competition. Remembering the social aspect is also important.
- Find ways to help them keep up their involvement in current activity. For example, this may be helping out with coaching or umpiring a sport.
- It’s essential not to talk about physical activity negatively, as a punishment or about body shape. All bodies are different and change as we grow and age.
- A great way to help your young person to be active is through leading by example. Showing them how physical activity can be fun and doesn’t have to be competitive. By participating in activities yourself, you are role-modelling this. Your child may want to join you.
- Show them how to be active in many ways in the day, like walking to work and school, taking the stairs and setting aside time each day for physical activity.
Raul Berral
Health and Physical Education teacher