Physical Activity for Healthy Minds

Research shows the positive impact physical activity has on our mental wellbeing. Finding a sport, exercise or any physical activity that children will love and take part in for life, might be the singular most important thing a school can do to ensure a young person leads a mentally-well life. There is also some suggestion from the research, that outdoor exercise has benefits over and above indoor physical activity.

Physical Activity can contribute to the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of all children, young people and staff within the school and its community:

• All physical activity releases the endorphins hormone, which is linked to feelings of pleasure, joy, excitement.

• All physical activity also reduces the stress response of cortisol and adrenaline in the body.

• Sports and team exercises show a very strong impact on mental wellbeing. Some of the benefits of these may be down the impact of socialising and belonging to something, both of which are linked to positive mental health.

• Mindful activities such as Yoga and walking also show a similar impact reduction in anxiety and stress

•  Being physically active creates a sense of wellbeing and enhanced self-esteem.

At Grove Street, we encourage children to be physically active as much as possible: from our Walk to School project; Mindful Mondays; active play and lunchtimes, after school clubs, Fitness Fridays; the list goes on!