Did you know it’s World Mental Health Day? Kids who exercise daily are more likely to be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthier than their friends. Evidence has also shown that exercise helps depression and anxiety, and reduces stress.
Why Is Exercise So Good?
Getting children moving helps to strengthen their muscles and bones, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce their risk of developing diabetes and other conditions.
How Does Exercise Help Children Feel Better?
- Brain - Exercise releases endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ chemicals. It also helps to positively affect dopamine and serotonin.
- Body - Major organs such as the heart and lungs as well as muscles and bones are strengthened through exercise.
- Friendships - Exercising with friends makes the activity even more enjoyable and you can make lots of new friends.
4 Mental Health Benefits Of Exercise For Kids
1. Decreases Stress
Exercise helps to reduce adrenaline and cortisol (the body’s stress hormones) and it instead helps to produce endorphins (the feel-good chemicals and the body’s natural painkillers). Daily exercise for children ensures that they get a natural mood boost.
2. Prevents Depression
In 2017, Norwegian scientists discovered that physical activity in kids helps to prevent depression. The four-year-long study followed 700 children aged 6-10 and found that kids who stayed active in the great outdoors were less likely to develop symptoms of depression.
3. Boosts Confidence
Exercising regularly ensures kids not only feel good, but as they take part in different activities they build up their self-confidence. Completing a physical activity gives children a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of confidence, which they can take with them and pour into their friendships, education, and more.
4. Better Sleep
Having active kids ensures they use up all their energy and are ready to sleep when it’s bedtime! Research shows that youngsters who are physically active are less likely to suffer from high levels of stress, which means their circadian rhythm is maintained and they can fall straight to sleep. More active time equals less screen time, which means more sleep, too.
Best Toys For Exercise
Now you’ve read about the benefits of exercise on children’s mental health, what about the best ways to make it happen?
Didiscoot
Scoot, scoot! Powered by little feet, Didiscoot is a versatile kids' scooter that doesn’t require any pedals or batteries. The lean-to-steer design ensures that children use their bodies to get going, whilst developing their balance and mobility. Didiscoot grows as your family does, with an adjustable handlebar height to cater for all ages. Scoot to school, the shops, and visit family & friends.
Diditrike
Suitable for tiny riders aged 12+ months, Diditrike has a smooth, freewheeling design with no pedals. As tots whizz around, they develop their spatial awareness, balance, and gross motor skills - who knew exercise could feel like such fun! The manoeuvrable handlebar makes the trike easy to steer and with four funky designs to choose from, there’s something for every child.
