Power Your Child’s Brain with Movement

Years ago, many believed that the health benefits of exercise were limited to the body. However, research has demonstrated that regular physical activity and movement can benefit the body and the brain. Recent studies have highlighted that movement can improve the supply of oxygen to the brain and promote the production of new cells. It appears movement also aids in creating new connections in the brain!

Many schools have reduced physical education classes. Many more students have moved towards e-learning. For those reasons, it's important to be mindful of our children's physical activity and encourage them to exercise more daily. And not just to benefit their physical health. In many ways, exercising each day is likely to make your child a better student! Movement triggers the release of chemical substances in the brain that enhance brain function.

Here's a quick snapshot of the benefits of movement:

• Better Brain Function - Movement may protect your brain against degenerative changes.
• Better Stress Reduction - Exercise and movement have been shown to have an antidepressant effect that can help reduce overall stress.
• Better Memory - Regular exercise can help directly and indirectly improve recall and reasoning skills.

Science Sources:

Learning Upregulates Neurotrophic Factor. Behavioral Neuroscience. 2019.

The Anti-Depressant Effect of Running. Intl Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2005.

Regular Exercise Changes the Brain. Harvard Health Publishing. 2014.

How Exercise Affects Your Brain. Scientific American. 2018.