Move Your Body, Grow Your Mind: Why Being Active is Awesome
Did you know that moving your body is good for more than just being fit? Besides getting stronger and more flexible from movement, it can also make you feel happy, help you think better, and even do better in school. Let’s learn about how being active can help your mind, your mood, and more!
How Does Moving Your Body Help?
When you run, jump, or play, your heart pumps blood faster. More blood means more oxygen and nutrients go to your brain and body. This is really important for learning and staying healthy. The best part is that finding a fun way to move helps you feel great!
How Movement Helps You Feel Happier
Running and jumping around while playing signals your brain to release powerful chemicals that make you feel happy. These chemicals are called endorphins, and they can also help you relax and feel calm.
Here’s how movement helps you feel better:
It helps you get rid of stress and frustration. It makes you feel happier when you’re feeling sad. It helps you relax after a busy day. It boosts your confidence when you try something new or reach a goal.
Try this: Next time you’re feeling upset, take a quick walk or dance to your favorite song. See how it makes you feel!
Making Friends Through Fun
Being active can also help you make friends. Playing sports like soccer, taking a dance class, or even playing tag at recess lets you have fun with others and work together.
Why this is important:
You learn how to be part of a team and talk to others. You share laughs and create fun memories. You feel included and part of a group.
Think about this: List two fun activities you would like to do with your friends or family ?
Movement Can Help You Do Better in School
Guess what? Being active helps your brain work better too! When you move, your brain gets more oxygen, which helps you focus, think more clearly, and remember things better.
Here’s how being active can help in school:
Solving Problems: Moving helps you come up with ideas and solve problems easier.
Better Grades: The more you move, the better your brain works, which can help you do better in school.
Better Behavior: Moving helps you stay calm and focused, so it’s easier to pay attention in class.
Try this: Before doing your homework, go for a short walk, bike ride or stretch for five minutes. See if it helps you focus!
Why Movement is Great for Your Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Moving your body is one of the best ways to take care of your mind.
Here’s why:
It helps you feel less stressed or worried. It gives you a way to show how you’re feeling, whether you’re happy or frustrated. It helps you sleep better, so you feel good the next day.
Fun fact: Even simple activities like jumping rope or doing jumping jacks can help clear your mind when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Your Movement, Your Way
The best part about being active is that you get to choose what you enjoy. Everyone has their own way of moving. Maybe you love playing basketball with friends, or maybe you like calm activities like yoga or a nature walk. The key is finding what feels fun for you.
Ask yourself:
What activities make me happy?
How can I fit more movement into my day?
Who can I ask to join me in staying active?
Start Moving Today!
Being active is like having a superpower—it makes you stronger, smarter, and happier. And the best part is, you don’t have to be the best or the fastest. You just need to move in a way that feels fun and exciting for you.
So, what’s one way you’ll move your body today? Maybe you’ll play a game, try a new sport, or just go for a walk outside. Whatever you do, remember: every step you take helps you grow, learn, and feel amazing. Let’s get moving!