Thanks to technology, kids spend more time indoors today than ever before. But since exercise is an essential part of maintaining one’s overall health and well-being, prioritizing physical activity each day is necessary.
There are so many benefits of getting regular physical activity — here are just a few.
Better Physical Health
Physical health improves as kids spend more time moving and exercising. It stimulates bone growth and muscle development, improving coordination, motor skills, and balance. It helps them maintain a healthy weight, while also improving cardiovascular health and overall immune system.
These things not only help kids today but in the future, too.
Enhanced Sleep Quality
Adequate physical activity during the day can lead to improved sleep quality and better overall rest at night. This can give you more energy and clarity to get through daily tasks and challenges.
Kids need a lot of sleep when growing. When they get enough exercise, a good night’s sleep is much easier.
Greater Cognitive Development
Proper cognitive development is a vital part of healthy growth and physical activity positively influences it. With the movement increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, children can find that their focus, memory, and problem-solving skills are much better.
Improved Mental health
Although we do not talk about it nearly as much as we should, mental health is vital to an overall sense of well-being. Getting outdoors and having regular movement is a great way to maintain good mental health as it releases the “feel-good” endorphins. It reduces the symptoms of anxiety and improves mood, too.
What’s more, seeing the physical results that come from being more active can be a big boost for self-esteem and confidence levels in teens.
Boosted Social Skills
Engaging in physical activity does not always mean having to be social with others, but it often ends up that way. Kids can interact with others as part of a team or simply hang out with those who have the same interests. Working together can also help build leadership skills, trust in teamwork, and an understanding of sportsmanship.
Encouraging Exercise in Kids
So, how can you encourage kids to get out and exercise? Doing so may not be as hard as you think. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Be an Example
Kids model their parent’s behavior. By showing that physical activity is something you value and incorporating it into your daily routine, your kids are more likely to make it a part of theirs, as well. Better yet, lead your family in staying active — go for hikes, take a bike ride together, or just go to the park and have some fun.
Don’t Make it Exercise
Instead of making it sound like a chore, turn exercising into something enjoyable. Not only will this make them more likely to get active now but it will change their perspective on fitness in the future. Choosing activities that you know your kids enjoy is a great way to encourage kids to move more.
Limit Screen Time
Kids are naturally quite active, but their time on screens can keep them indoors and more sedentary than they normally would be. Put limits on all screen time and get them engaged in physical movement.
Getting your child to exercise can lead to healthy habits that will benefit them for years to come. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about the transformative change an active lifestyle can have. It is not too late.
