What is it?
- Physical activity can enhance mental wellbeing.
- Exercise releases endorphins, reducing anxiety & depression.
- It can help to instil discipline, goal setting & personal growth.
Here's more detail
Description
Engaging in physical activity can be helpful for young people when it comes to boosting mental wellbeing. Amidst the daily grind of school, social pressures and constant digital noise, making exercise a regular part of your routine can create a world of difference. Adolescence is a complex stage of life filled with physical and emotional changes, and physical activity can be a tool for managing stress, enhancing mood and nurturing self-confidence. When you engage in activities like sports, dance, yoga or simply go to the gym, your body releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters. This chemical response can help with feelings of anxiety and depression and contribute to your overall emotional resilience.
Moreover, being active creates discipline and structure, offering opportunities for goal setting, teamwork and personal growth. Whether you’re mastering a new skill, pushing your physical limits or reaching fitness milestones, the sense of accomplishment that accompanies physical activity can be empowering. Additionally, it can provide a much-needed escape from the demands of modern life, allowing you to unplug from screens and social media, reducing the risk of negative self-comparisons and the pressures of the online world.
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Regular exercise has lots of health benefits for children and young people, such as improving sleep, increasing concentration, improving academic scores and improving self-esteem.
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When I run, I lose track of time and completely enter another zone. It’s like meditation, but without trying to actively clear my mind.
- Aloki Rochelmeyer, Exposure
Learn more
- Learn more
Getting active can:
- Help to reduce anxiety and stress, and combat low mood
- Boost self-esteem and confidence
- Provide a goal to aim for, and a sense of purpose and achievement
- Offer a way to meet people
- Improve sleep and give an energy boost
- Help with feelings of anger or frustration
Visit the links below to learn more about physical activity and mental health:
Some resources that may help:
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