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27 Jan 2025

How does physical health contribute to children’s mental health’?

Our understanding of ‘health’ can be a complex one. As adults, we might think about our health in a compartmentalised way.  Our physical health sits far away from our social health and, in another section, lies our financial health, next to our mental health, and the list goes on…

But, it’s helpful to think about our health holistically, in a way that all aspects of our health are considered together, influencing one another in intrinsic ways. Children’s mental health is central to their wellbeing and is something that paves the way for their future overall health. This resource shines a spotlight on the importance of children’s physical health the role it plays in contributing to their mental health and wellbeing too.

 

1. When children are poorly

When children are physically unwell, it may impact their ability to join in with others and socialise, especially when they are unable to attend their usual setting. This might lead to feelings of sadness and low mood or feeling isolated. For children experiencing long-term illness, it’s important to recognise the potential impact of long-lasting absence and how this might impact their mental wellbeing.

 

2. Feeling positive

Being active and staying physically fit offers huge benefits to our mental health by reducing anxiety and relieving stress, due to the production of endorphins (feel good hormones) during physical activity.

 

3. Sense of belonging

For children who get involved in physical play and activity, whether it be unstructured play or sport sessions, being part of something bigger, with friends,  family or a community team, can help children to develop a sense of belonging helping them to develop their self-esteem.

 

4. Developing resilience

Physical activity allows children to develop a range of new skills, from balancing to jumping, riding a bike or throwing and catching. Whether it’s learning an entirely new skill or developing existing skills further to jump higher or run faster, engaging in physical activity can provide so many opportunities for children to develop their resilience and self-confidence.

 

 

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Children's health is made up of so many different aspects and we all have a responsibility in supporting these many aspects.  Think about the ways in which you already specifically support children’s physical and mental health and consider what changes you can make to enhance your practice further in this area.

How does physical health contribute to children's mental wellbeing?

How does physical health contribute to children's mental wellbeing?

Join us to welcome Emalee Caton, PANCo Lead, to explore how our physical health and nutrition impacts our wider health, including mental wellbeing.

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Further reading: 

EEF Childrens’ Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years

Physical and mental health for young children at the Open University