They move almost non-stop, and sometimes we wonder why kids have so much energy. Put all these great energy levels into good use by encouraging them to allot more time for physical exercise, especially that exercise is necessary for a child’s physical, mental, and emotional development.
Need more reasons to cut down on your child's screen time so they can do more physical movements? We've listed down the many benefits of exercise on your little ones:
1. It promotes healthy growth and development.
Exercise is an integral part of a child’s growth and it continues into adulthood. In fact, establishing an an excellent physical foundation from a young age can reduce the risk of developing bone-related diseases.
2. It increases brain activity.
Exercise improves memory and processing speed for kids, teens, and adults. It helps strengthen their executive functioning, which includes their ability to plan, control behavior, and use the memory.
3. It improves concentration and thinking skills.
Studies have shown that exercise improves a child's academic performance and multi-tasking abilities. An after-school program conducted at the University of Illinois revealed that kids involved in active playtime or sports perform better in school than those who weren’t exercising.
4. It develops communication and social skills.
Children make new acquaintances through exercise, and it also helps them grow and cultivate their social skills. Team sports, such as football and basketball, can help kids hone essential communication skills by observing non-verbal cues, practicing good sportsmanship, and adopting leadership roles.
5. It promotes relaxation and relieves their stress.
It is important to remember that just like adults, children can also feel stressed out. Exercise is one way for kids to release all those stress and feel relaxed. It can also improve their sleep, which is essential for their overall health and wellbeing.
6. It results in better mental health.
As exercise can seem like an unwanted chore for children, the actual act of movement can release that rush and adrenaline, which becomes something of a cathartic experience once the child gets into a daily exercise routine. Physical activity induces feel-good hormones, which promote better mood for children.
With the many benefits exercise has for children, it is only necessary that we ensure that they are active and play outdoors while practicing proper hygiene and sanitation. Keep exercise fun by finding activities they enjoy. This way, your child will not find it as a chore, and they are more likely to stick to an exercise routine.
