Physical activity can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases. Physical activity can have immediate and long term health benefits. Regular activity can improve your quality of life. It is not just your physical health that benefits, there is also a lot of research which shows the positive influence that physical activity can have on mental health.
Did you know that....
- Being physically active every day is important for the healthy growth and development of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers?
- It is medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have up to a 30% lower risk of depression and dementia?
- It is medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke and up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes?
- It is medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer and up to a 20% lower risk of breast cancer?
- It is medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have up to a 30% lower risk of early death?
- It is medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have up to an 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis, up to a 68% lower risk of hip fracture and a 30% lower risk of falls?
- Research has shown that physical activity can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy levels?
(Source: NHS website)
20 reasons why children should be active
- Promotes healthy lifestyle
- It is fun
- Builds friendships
- Improves fitness
- Builds character
- Improves self esteem
- Increases confidence
- Reduces obesity
- Improves leadership skills
- Encourages teamwork
- Improves sleep
- Develops resilience
- Improves concentration
- Teaches faiy play and respect
- Opportunity to achieve
- A break from technology
- Teaches about winning and losing
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves body image
- Develops social skills
For support, download our handout.
20 reasons to be physically active regularly
- Improved fitness
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved sleep
- Weight loss
- Improved coordination and balance
- A healthier heart
- Improved attention and decision making
- A stronger immune system
- Encourages a healthy lifestyle
- Increased energy levels
- Stronger bones and muscles
- Increased self esteem
- Reduced risk of cancer and diabetes
- Improved mood
- Improved blood pressure
- Increased metabolism
- Opportunity to socialise and meet people
- Gives a sense of achievement
- Builds character and resilience
- Increased confidence and improved body image
For support, download our handout.
20 reasons to walk more
- Improved fitness
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved sleep
- Weight loss
- Improved coordination and balance
- A healthier heart
- Improved attention and decision making
- A stronger immune system
- Reduced lower back pain
- Increased energy levels
- Stronger bones and muscles
- Increased self esteem
- Reduced risk of cancer and diabetes
- Improved mood
- Improved blood pressure
- Increased metabolism
- Socialise with friends or family
- Increased daily steps
- Explore your local area
- Discover new places
10 reasons sport and physical can improve your mental health
- Increases confidence and self esteem
- Gives you a feeling of achievement
- Improves sleep
- Increased energy levels
- Makes you feel good
- Improves decision making
- Helps you to feel in control
- Reduced stress, anxiety and the risk of depression
- Combats social isolation
- Improves physical health