Exercise does much more for kids than keeping them in shape. It is a practice that can center their body and mind as a whole. Essentially, their minds can use as much physical exercise as their body.
Bench pressing 50 pounds in a short amount of time isn’t necessarily going to help them cram for the physics exam, but it will help their brain in several ways.
1. Oxygen
Ever wonder why marathon runners get a euphoric feeling and a sense of being “high” after running for 20 miles or so?
The blood is supplying a great deal of oxygen to the brain as physical activity increases. It’s a simple fact that the brain needs oxygen in order to function.
When the body is lethargic and sitting idle, the flow of oxygen through the blood stream to the brain is low. Kids may tend to “veg out” in front of the television and not put much thought into what they’re actually watching.
By being more physically active, there is a greater supply of oxygen to the brain which enhances nearly every aspect of cognitive thinking.
2. Focus
Many kids who feel overly frustrated or angry tend to put forth a great deal of effort into physical stress in order to calm the mental stress.
Exercising gives a physical aspect to focus on in order to occupy the mind. They’re not burying your problems exactly, but instead dividing the focus which reduces the burden that the underlying problem is causing on their emotional state.
After all, it’s always better to hit a heavy bag filled with beans that it is to take a swing at another person.
3. Control
Exercise doesn’t have to be purely physical. Forms of meditation and Yoga can stretch and strengthen the body and mind.
Kids can push themselves to the limits of physical exhaustion, or sit in a quiet and secluded area to meditate on problems within themselves.
4. Resting the Mind
When kids push themselves to the point of being physically exhausted, they can be put into a more relaxed state for sleeping. As long as they allow themselves time to get a full nights rest, their minds will get the sleep that it needs in order to function at peak performance.
A well-rested mind is ideal, and exercising to exhaustion could help in securing that full nights rest – now, if only we could do something about the sore muscles.
Providing the brain with physical as well as mental exercises can help increase children’s overall mood.
Regardless of the method for physical fitness, there is more to relaxing the mind than simply being too tired to fight. It is an aspect of life that is within control and that will bring peace of mind needed after a long day.
Author Bio:
Ken holds a master’s in business leadership from Upper Iowa University and multiple bachelor degrees from Grand View College. As president of morningsidenannies.com, Ken’s focus is helping Houston-based parents find the right childcare provider for their family. When he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his three children and his wife.