Get The Kids Moving! Here’s How

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Westwood School Engagement Committee’s discussion on Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation. At the center of the discussion was the detrimental effects of kids spending too much time on smartphones. With screens dominating leisure time, our youth are also falling victim to a more sedentary lifestyle than ever before. While the physical consequences of inactivity are well-known, the impact on mental health is often overlooked.
 
Prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and poor sleep. Without regular movement, stress hormones such as cortisol are more likely to remain elevated, keeping your body in fight-or-flight and negatively impacting all of the body’s processes. By engaging in regular physical activity, we can significantly improve our kids’ overall well-being. Here are a few practical tips to help adolescents get (and stay) active:
 
1. Set the example – Kids who regularly see their caregivers enjoying physical activity are more likely to get involved themselves. Prioritize movement in your own day and watch them follow your lead!
 
2. Expose them to active environments – Take a trip to the park, local hiking trails–even your gym. The key here is to spark curiosity and surround them with those modeling active lifestyles.
 
3. Make it routine – Start with something small like encouraging a brief after-dinner walk once a week. Stay consistent, involve the whole family or even recruit neighbors and friends!
 
4. Find something enjoyable – The more they enjoy it, the more likely they are to do it. Together, brainstorm a list of physical activities they can try.
 
5. Offer praise and feedback – Be specific with your praise. Verbalize positive behaviors you’ve observed as a result of their commitment to movement (i.e. “I’ve noticed you seem much more focused when we get back from a walk”).
 
By incorporating physical activity into their daily lives, kids and teens can improve their physical and mental health, boost their energy levels, and feel better overall. Plus, they’ll spend less time glued to those screens! Let’s encourage our young people to break free from sedentary habits and embrace a more active lifestyle that will benefit them for years to come.