Physical Activity for Mental and Physical Health

Years of research suggest that physical activity can help improve both mental and physical health. It is claimed that just 20-30 minutes of exercise a day can help combat negative moods, depression, anxiety and aid weight loss and the prevention of illness and diseases.

It is important to exercise for a healthier and happier life. Physical activity can also help improve mental health if the physical activity is a social activity. For example if you join a sports club, as well as benefiting from the actual physical activity, you are able to socialise with other people. This helps to improve social skills and you might even make some friends for life. There has been lots of scientific research carried out investigating the link between physical activity and mental well being and helping bad mental health. Although physical may not be the answer for everyone or fix problems completely, the overall significant findings show that all levels of physical activity have a positive impact on physical and mental health.

Children are given physical education lessons at school, allowing them to learn key exercise and sports skills. It is important for children to start exercising from a young age, as they are most likely to keep this habit going, in their later years. However, it is becoming harder for parents to get their children outside to play and exercise with the increase access to smartphones, tablets and TV’s. In the recent years, there has been a dramatic corresponding increase in the access to technology and decrease in physical activity. This is why sports clubs and extra curriculum activities are important and popular with children, they are a great way for children to keep busy and healthy. Children are more likely to go to a sports club if their friends are there, so be sure to encourage them for this reason. So be sure to help encourage your children to join sports clubs and exercise to help with their social skills and self-esteem.

Physical activity is an important part of a lot of people’s everyday life routine. From walking your dog, running for a mile or going to the gym, there are plenty ways to improve your fitness levels. It doesn’t matter how or when you exercise as long as it makes you feel good and gets you up and out the house. Enjoy the fresh air and time away from a screen for just half an hour and find a new hobby. 

Physical activity is of particular importance for specific groups of people such as children, older people, overweight people and people who are suffering from mental health problems. To help mental and physical health, it is advised that everyone should complete 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week.