A video has appeared supporting the idea of a daily mile’s walk or run in schools, ’The Daily Mile’. We here at Concorde could not be more behind it!
The fact is, screens seem to be the most common source of entertainment for children nowadays. Whether it’s the sunniest day of the year or the rainiest, tablets, laptops and TV screens seem to hold the attention of our young ones more than we’d probably like to admit.
So let’s have a quick look at just how much better is it for children to get out and be exercising at schools during their break periods, rather than sitting indoors and playing Angry Birds or trawling through social media!
Unsurprisingly, it’s more beneficial in almost every way.
Let’s start with the facts.
Firstly, the more children exercise, the higher the test scores! A significant study took place that found a positive relationship between aerobic fitness and children’s ability to memorise information. The same study showed that reducing the physical exertion hindered academic performance. Along with these results, another study then proved that even occasional, moderate exercise was better than nothing. Overall, it’s fair to say that cognitive performance increases simply by being more active.
Secondly, everyone knows schools can be stressful places. The best way to counteract this is to pump up those endorphins! These are our brains’ ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters and can put you in a very relaxed, even happy state. If a French test is looming, a child can forget about this almost entirely just by kicking a football around for 20 minutes at break, or even a quick walk with the dog after school. (We aren’t suggesting they don’t do any revision!)
Thirdly, sleep is one of the most vital ingredients of your child’s health. Best way for them to get this deep sleep? Make them sleepy! By encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle at school with lots of running around, they’re bound to crave their beds when the sun starts to sink. A day spent sitting around, watching things on a television or a smart phone actually counters the body’s natural need to sleep when the sun goes down. ‘Blue light’ shining off a phone disrupts the brain’s natural sleep cycle.
How can you help at home? Setting a good example is key. Children mimic their parents and those they spend the most time around. If you’re active, they’re more active. Family bike rides, publicly accessible parks and swimming baths are great places to inspire activity.
Strengthen their bones, strengthen their minds.
