Get Those Kids Moving!

Man, has it been a long and painful winter here in the midwest. Not because of the amount of snow necessarily, but because of social isolation, pandemic stress, and cold weather. Cabin Fever in the worst way.

However, we soon can finally escape from our winter bunkers and burn off some of that pent up energy outdoors. Moving, playing, and exercising for kids and teens indoors during the winter can be especially difficult. That’s because there are often expectations and tight restrictions with HOW they are allowed to play indoors. 

No running in the hallways.

Keep your shoes off the couch.

No, you can’t roller skate in the kitchen.

I SAID NO BASKETBALLS IN THE HOUSE!

You get the idea.

Surprisingly, there is very limited research on how exercise affects children’s brains in particular, but the research surrounding exercise and adult mental health is pretty overwhelming. Physical activity in any form (also known as exercise) is shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults. And based on my experience in sensory regulation as a therapist and my observations as a mom, I’m willing to bet that the same is true for children.

From the research that has been conducted on kids, researchers have found that physical activity and movement has some great benefits on child mental health which include:

Reduction in future symptoms of depression

Increased regulation (better control over their thoughts, actions, and feelings)

Decreased behavioral issues

Increased self esteem/self image

Increased sense of feeling capable

Organized sports has their own benefits which include the things listed above and also: 

Reduced suicidal ideation (especially in girls)

Reduced feelings of isolation 

To amplify the effect of physical activity for kids, if they are playing outside, it is connecting them with nature which also has its own mental health benefits. Playing on a team or in a neighborhood with peers helps build social connections and a sense of belonging for kids who may not have been able to experience it otherwise. Plus, being part of a team teaches them a wide range of other skills that goes far beyond the immediate brain benefits.

Help the kids in your life be their best selves. Join in a game of neighborhood pick up basketball, implement a movement break in your classroom, include your kids in your run, and model physical activity and fitness yourself.

To learn more about the benefits of physical activity and movement on child mental health, check out the resources below:

https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/children-exercise-strategies

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/02/well/family/the-benefits-of-exercise-for-childrens-mental-health.html