‍Posted on 16 May 2022 by Mead Physio Group

Are your kids currently participating in sports or exercise?

Did you know that allowing children to participate in sports and/or physical activity not only improves their physical health, but it can also increase their mental health too? Here’s why:

Children and adolescence who are participating in sport or exercise are associated with having lower levels of stress, depression, and psychological distress. These children also have overall a higher amount of mental wellbeing, self-confidence, increased brain function, life satisfaction and are generally happier. For children who are physically inactive, the effects are the opposite. These children generally have higher levels of depression, less life satisfaction and are less happy.

Exercise has such a positive impact on children’s mental health as it:

• Increases brain function by increasing problem solving skills, hand eye coordination, and concentration
• Increases self-esteem and body image as active children can notice and appreciate what their body can do, rather than what they look like
• Increases their sense of belonging through team sports which provide children with necessary social interaction
• Increases mood, energy levels and sleep, as exercise induces the release of endorphins – the feel-good hormone

To learn more on this topic, please click here to visit the Child Wellbeing Centre