Daily physical education is an essential part of a child's holistic development. It not only promotes physical fitness but also plays a crucial role in enhancing motivation, fostering teamwork, and contributing to long-term health. The benefits of daily physical education for children extend far beyond physical fitness. It positively impacts motivation, teamwork, and long-term health. By incorporating physical activity into the daily routine of children, schools play a crucial role in promoting their overall well-being and academic success. It is important for parents, educators, and policymakers to recognize the value of physical education and ensure its inclusion in the curriculum. By doing so, we can empower children to lead healthy, active lives and set them on a path to lifelong success.
May is national fitness month! We are sharing 30 ways in 30 Days to help us and you get active! We’ll be working through it ourselves and would love to have you on this journey with us.
Exercise can be daunting especially if you rarely do it or are just getting back into it – so here’s our calendar for the month to get you kicked off!
“Being active releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good – boosting your self-esteem and helping you concentrate as well as sleep well and feel better.” – Mentalhealth.org
Science! There’s a ton of research into exercise and how daily activity can give your mental health a boost as well as keeping your body fit and healthy. It can also be a social thing, which can boost your brain even more, especially in these post-lockdown times!
Check out just a few of the benefits of regular physical activity:
Releases stress
Decreases symptoms of depression
Improves your learning abilities
Sharpens your memory
Protects your brain from ageing
Helps you sleep better
Improves energy levels
Boosts self-esteem
Increases creativity
Decreases cravings for unhealthy foods & substances
Motivation
Regular physical activity stimulates children's motivation and enthusiasm for learning. Engaging in physical education classes helps children develop a positive attitude towards school and education as a whole. Through physical challenges and achievements, children gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which can transfer to their academic pursuits. Moreover, physical education provides a break from sedentary learning, refreshing the mind and enhancing students' ability to focus and concentrate in the classroom.
Fitness
Daily physical education classes contribute significantly to improving children's overall fitness levels. Regular physical activity helps to develop strong muscles and bones, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance flexibility and coordination. By engaging in various physical activities, children learn the importance of leading an active lifestyle, setting the foundation for a healthy future. Physical fitness also positively impacts cognitive function, memory, and attention span, leading to improved academic performance.
Long-Term Health
Instilling healthy habits from a young age is key to ensuring long-term health and well-being. Daily physical education provides children with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their health. By promoting regular exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management techniques, physical education equips children with the tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their lives. It also helps in preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which are increasingly prevalent among children.
Teamwork
Participating in physical education activities encourages collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork among children. Whether it's playing team sports, participating in group exercises, or working towards a common goal during fitness challenges, children learn the value of teamwork and develop essential social skills. These experiences promote effective communication, empathy, and respect for others, which are crucial for building positive relationships both inside and outside the classroom.