Get Moving: A Fun and Easy Guide to Staying Active
Movement is 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 to staying active is to not have it feel boring or feel like a chore. It’s all about finding what works for you and having fun while doing it.
Find your Fun
Today, we’ll explore how to build a healthy relationship with movement, relationships that fit your life and will have you wanting to and be excited about returning again and again.
Why Should You Move?
Moving your body isn’t just about getting fit. It’s about feeling good. Regular movement, getting and staying active, not only gives you a healthier and stronger body over time; immediately, it builds stronger memory, sharper thinking, and better learning. It protects you from feeling low. Whether you’re dancing in your room, biking with friends, or trying a new sport, or just out on your own walking, movement is the only way to keep your body healthy and your mind happy.
Why it matters:
It boosts your energy and helps you focus at school.
It reduces stress and improves your mood.
It can help you sleep better and feel more confident.
Every time you are active regularly your body gets healthier.
The best part? You don’t need anyone to tell you how to do it. When you choose activities you enjoy, you’re creating a healthy habit that can last a lifetime.
Physical Activity vs. Exercise
Ever think of "exercise" as lifting weights or running laps? Good news: being active isn’t just about those things.
Exercise is structured and planned (like a soccer practice or a yoga class).
Physical activity includes any movement that gets your body moving, like walking your dog, playing tag, or even cleaning your room.
Both are great, but physical activity is everywhere, and it can happen naturally in your day.
Cornerstones to Find Success:
Make Movement Fun
Let’s be real—no one wants to do something they find boring. That’s why enjoyment is the key to staying active. Ask yourself:
What activities make me laugh or smile?
Do I like to move alone or with friends?
Do I enjoy being outdoors or indoors?
There’s no wrong answer. If you love music, dance. If you enjoy exploring, go on hikes. Like video games? Try a game that gets you moving, like Just Dance or virtual reality sports.
It’s All About Intrinsic Motivation
When you’re active because you want to be, not because someone else is telling you to, that’s called intrinsic motivation. It’s a fancy way of saying you’re moving because it makes you happy, proud, or excited.
Think about it:
How does moving make you feel?
What’s something active you’ve done that made you smile?
Focus on the why behind your movement. It’s not about looking a certain way—it’s about feeling awesome.
Find Your Own Path
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to be active. Everyone’s journey looks different. Some people love team sports; others prefer solo activities. Some like routines, and others like variety.
Here are 100+ ways to move in your daily life:
Skateboarding, swimming, or rollerblading.
Walking or biking to school.
Gardening, dancing, or playing Frisbee.
Climbing, skipping, or even jumping rope.
Even small changes can add up, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or having a 5-minute dance break during homework.
Reflect on What Works for You
Take a moment to think about how you’d like to include movement in your life:
What activities sound exciting to you?
What time of day do you feel most energetic?
How can you fit movement into your routine?
It’s a Journey, Not a Race
Your relationship with movement will grow and change over time. And that’s okay! Some days you’ll feel full of energy, and other days you might take it easy with stretching or a walk.
What matters is staying curious and finding what feels right for you. Your path will look different from your friends’, and that’s what makes it yours.
So, lace up your shoes, grab a friend, or crank up your favorite playlist, and get moving—your way. Because movement isn’t just something you do. It’s something that makes you feel alive.
