Staying active and social
With the school holidays rapidly approaching, we begin to assess what we will do over the holiday break.
Through the school year we socialise and see each other every day at school. But in the holidays some students can become socially isolated. Technology can be a wonderful thing, but some students choose to remain at home, communicating solely over social media and not in person, or spending long hours playing computer games.
Not only is this not good for their physical health, it is not good for their mental health.
We strongly encourage students over the break, to go out with friends and engage in a wide range of physical, group and social activities: to lead an active life.
Living an active life has many benefits, not only for your physical health but also your mental health.
In your brain, any form of exercise stimulates chemicals that improve your mood and the parts of the brain responsible for memory and learning.
There are three ways that mental health can potentially be improved through physical activity:
- Biochemical - mood enhancing chemicals are released into the bloodstream during and after activity.
- Physiological - physical activity improves muscle and heart function, increases blood flow to the brain and increases the efficiency of brain chemicals. It can also promote better sleep.
- Psychological and social - physical activity can:
- improve self-esteem
- give a sense of mastery and control over life
- promote a sense of positive achievement
- provide opportunities for increased social support and social interaction.
We all know we need to be constantly vigilant and working on ways to improve our mental health. This summer take up the challenge and live an active life, and together we can all promote Mental Health with each other over the summer!
Mr Andrew Pritchard - Director of Pastoral Care K-10
A Catholic School in the Salesian Tradition