Sport and Wellbeing

Now more than ever, it is extremely important to look after our physical and mental wellbeing. With the holidays coming up and the glorious spring weather, it is a perfect time to get outside and get our bodies moving. See below some information about how we can address our physical health. 

Physical activity: why it’s good for children

Physical activity is vital for children’s health, wellbeing and development, now and in the future. Physical activity has lots of health benefits for children. It:

• - strengthens children’s bones, muscles, hearts and lungs
• - improves children’s coordination, balance, posture and flexibility
• - helps children stay at a healthy weight
• - reduces children’s risk of getting heart disease, cancer and type-2 diabetes later in life.

Physical activity also boosts children’s wellbeing. For example, active children are more likely to:

• - be confident and feel like they belong
• - be relaxed and sleep well
• - concentrate better at school
• - get along with others and make friends easily
• - share, take turns and cooperate.

Physical activity is an important part of play and learning. When children do physical activity with you or other people, it can be a great way for them to build relationships in your family and community. Physical activity is also just good fun for children.

Children aged 5 years up to 18 years should do at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity plus several hours of light physical activity each day. At least three days a week, this should include activities that strengthen muscles and bones.