Why Moving Matters: 4 Awesome Benefits of Physical Activity for Kids

Kids nowadays have weak immune systems, bad postures, and a lack of confidence. What do you think the cause is? Why are they more prone to illness than those kids who had their childhood tech-free and outdoors? Earlier, parents emphasized teaching their kids the value of physical activities; kids used to love playing outside so much that their parents often had to force them to come inside. But now, mobile phones have taken the place of outdoor games. The football outdoors has been replaced by its online version. Even cricket! 90s kids used to bet their lives on a mere chance of batting, but now their interest has been reduced to watching cricket matches on TV or mobile.  

The times have changed now; parents no longer make an effort to give their kids a chance to play outside; instead, they provide them with phones and tablets for online games and web series. Therefore it has now become necessary for the parents to teach the benefits of physical activity for kids, to protect them from future problems and health issues. 

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Explore the benefits of regular physical exercise. To simplify the situation, let’s first agree upon the fact that the benefits of physical activity for kids are endless. Physical activities offer numerous benefits to everyone; they can help your kid develop properly and have proper overall growth. 

Enhances Physical Health

Regular physical activity improves bones, muscles, and vital organs in kids. Kids engage in exercises such as running, jumping, or playing different kinds of sports outdoors. Kids who energetically participate in outdoor play have a strong foundation for long-term health. Physical exercise can enhance their heart health, maintain bone and muscle strength, and improve lung capacity. Regular exercise reduces the risks of chronic lifestyle conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. 

Promotes Mental Health

Until this, we have only talked about the benefits of physical activity for kids, but did you know regular movements and an active lifestyle have profound mental health benefits for your kids? Regular exercise can help trigger the release of endorphins, which are the feel-good hormones that help reduce anxiety and depression. It helps kids control and regulate emotions and results in better emotional stability. A sense of achievement after scoring a goal or learning a new physical skill can build self-esteem. Playing outside in fresh air, greenery, and a cool and happening atmosphere can boost your kids’ mental health and keep them energetic all the time. 

Cognitive and Motor Development

Ever wondered if doing a physical activity can improve your kid’s brain function? Yes, it does happen, as working physically increases blood flow to the brain, thus enhancing cognitive functions such as memory, problem-solving skills, and concentration. Various studies showed that physically active kids tend to secure higher marks on tests and have better engagement in their studies. Besides that, moving regularly can also help in improving specific movements of the body’s muscles to perform tasks more efficiently, thus developing the motor abilities of your kid. 

Helps to Sleep Better

It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep is essential for a child’s physical and mental development. One of the most important benefits of physical activity for kids is improved sleep quality; kids who engage in physical play are more likely to have deeper and faster sleep. Also, they feel refreshed after a proper quality sleep. Sleep is essential for overall growth and learning. When kids sleep well, they’re more likely to perform better in their studies and be more attentive throughout the day.

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How to make your kids do regular physical activity ?

Make a Schedule

If you are a young parent and don’t know how to integrate physical activity into your kids’ routine, then try to make it a habit for them. Make a schedule that your kids remind you of. Always remember to start with a little easier schedule, achieve it, and make one new again next week. Encouraging them to do daily physical activity by maintaining a proper map. 

Make it a Group Activity

Being physically active and maintaining a tight schedule doesn’t have to be a solo activity; it can be a fun way for your kids to build bonds with family and friends, these are the benefits of physical activity for kids.  This will help in developing sportsmanship, leadership, and social skills along with being physically fit. Encourage your kids to go out,  make friends, and play with them to keep them physically and socially active. 

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Limit Screen Time

Try to keep your kids away from digital devices as much as possible; you can encourage them to play outside with friends, or you can create indoor playing areas for your kids, such as setting up ping pong tables, weights, and cardio machines. Parents should also promote various games, which can also result in budding athletes. 

Words of Encouragement 

Always keep your kid’s health first and act accordingly. Helping your kid learn how to play outside should be the parent’s foremost duty. Encourage them when they commit to staying active and remember to appreciate their small efforts and victories. Try to keep it light and avoid pushing them too hard. These are the essential benefits of physical activity for kids. Let them explore their options and cheer them on their decisions. A few words of encouragement from the parents can brighten their day.