Why should children move more for mental health?
- they will have less tension, stress and mental fatigue
- they will feel more energised after a natural energy boost
- they will feel a sense of achievement
- they will gain more focus and motivation in all areas
- they may feel less cross or frustrated
- movement will build a healthy appetite
- they will be having fun and boosting endorphins
How schools can encourage movement:
- dance! Put on some fun music and dance together like no-one is watching
- follow online some ‘kids yoga’ classes at home, making shapes to stretch and bend the body
- do some breathing exercises (four counts In, 8 counts Out, humming bee breath, mountain breathing)
- go to the park or any open space and walk or run in nature, then pause breathe and ask your child to mindfully notice what they can feel, see, smell, hear, touch
- create a fun treasure hunt with clues that encourage running around your garden or open space
- take a blanket outside, lie down and cloud watch. Imagine animals in the clouds and then act them out
- go on a bug, tree or flower hunt, giving specific things to find and locate them together
- make art in nature – create pieces of art from objects in the local environment encouraging movement, creativity and curiosity
Available support
Mental Health Awareness Week May 2024
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk
The Daily Mile
Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition
PE with Joe
The Body Coach TV by Joe Wicks