The average child over the age of six needs at least an hour of physical activity per day. Encouraging kids to have an active lifestyle at a young age will lead to health benefits, a more positive outlook and better performance in school.
Approximately 6.4 million kids between the elementary and high school level have ADHD. Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder causes children to have short attention spans, the inability to sit still and difficulty retaining information. Regular daily activity can help combat these difficulties through the release of dopamine.
Releasing dopamine does not only benefit those with ADHD, an article written in the Harvard Health Publishing found that aerobic exercise helps the part of the brain that deals with verbal memory and learning.
Children who exercise regularly are typically more successful in school and have better study habits. Dr. Karen Postal, a neuropsychologist from Harvard Medical School ,said that an increase in exercise for a child can increase the ability to retain new information and increase connection between brain cells.
Whether it be through physical education at school, active learning exercises or recreational sports, it is important to keep children active on a daily basis. Not only will it keep them healthy, both physically and mentally, but it will also enhance their in classroom experience and performance.
