Move Your Body, Grow Your Mind: Why Being Active is Amazing
Did you know that moving your body is good for more than just staying healthy? It helps you feel happier, make friends, think more clearly, and even do better in school. Let’s dive into how physical activity makes your life better in so many ways—mind, mood, and more!
How Does Movement Do It, Be Such a Superpower?
When your body works hard your heart pumps blood. More blood being pumped means more, and more oxygen and nutrients travelling to your brain and your body. This is really important for school and learning. This is really important for your health. The secret is all about finding what works for you and having fun while doing it.
Find your Fun
How Movement Helps You Feel Happier
When you run, jump, or play, something amazing happens in your brain. It releases special chemicals called endorphins (they are natural chemicals produced in the body to reduce pain and boost happiness) that make you feel happy and calm and they are often released when you exercise your body.
Here’s how movement helps you:
Moving helps you let go of stress and frustration.
It lifts your mood when you’re feeling down.
It helps you relax after a busy day.
It boosts your confidence when you try new things or accomplish a goal.
Try this: Next time you’re feeling upset or overwhelmed, take a quick walk or dance to your favorite song. See how it makes you feel!
Building Friendships Through Fun
Being active can also help you make friends and connect with others. Playing soccer, joining a dance class, or even playing tag at recess gives you the chance to work together and have fun.
Why it’s important:
You learn teamwork and how to communicate.
You share laughs and build memories.
You feel included and part of something bigger.
Think about it: What are some activities you’d enjoy doing with friends or family?
Movement and Better Grades? Yes!
Guess what? Being active doesn’t just help your body—it helps your brain, too. When you move, your brain gets more oxygen, which helps you focus, think clearly, and even remember things better.
Here’s how being active helps in school:
Cognitive function: You can solve problems and come up with ideas more easily.
Academic performance: When you get more active, it improves the way your brain functions. You can become smarter and better in your academics and do better in tests.
Behaviour: Movement helps you stay calm and focused, so it’s easier to pay attention in class.
Try this: Before you do your homework, take a short bike ride or stretch for five minutes. See if it helps you focus!
Why Movement is Great for Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Being active is one of the best ways to take care of your mind.
Here’s why:
It helps reduce stress and worry.
It gives you a way to express emotions, like joy or even frustration.
It helps you sleep better, which makes you feel great the next day.
Fun fact: Even simple activities like skipping rope or jumping jacks can 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 works for you. Everyone has their own way of enjoying movement. Maybe you love to play basketball with friends, or maybe you prefer quiet activities like yoga or a nature walk, you get to move your body in different ways that are beneficial to your body.
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 a superpower—it makes you stronger, smarter, and happier. The best part? You don’t have to be perfect or the fastest. You just have 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 take a walk outside. Whatever it is, remember: every step you take is helping you grow, learn, and feel amazing. Let’s get moving!