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Exercise for Mental Health

Exercise has amazing benefits for the body, such as increased strength and speed, but what's not commonly known are the mental health benefits. Increased confidence and high self-esteem have been connected to regular exercise. These are a few of the many benefits of physical activity.

Check out the YouTube video: "Physical Activity is Miracle-Gro for Your Brain." A short video on the science of exercise and its mental health benefits. "...Regular physical activity helps you learn faster, think clear, enhances, improves, and protects your mind." The video debunks the common misconception that increased rest helps improve your brain. 

Reading about the mental health benefits of exercising wouldn't be complete without a resource to help you start exercising. The "Physical Activity Websites for Teens" toolkit includes workout routines, nutrition planning, and free fitness and music videos. 

Here is a real-life example and popular topic that is trending on mental health. Simone Biles, the 24-year-old Olympic gymnast, who many have argued is "one of the greatest (if not, the best) gymnasts in Olympic history." During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Biles withdrew from the competition to an extent due to a “medical issue.”

The next day she publicly announced that it was due to a mental health concern. In the SPAN youth chat, we voiced our support for Biles' decision because it reminded us that no matter who you are or what you can do, mental health is a normal concern. If an Olympic athlete can recognize and voice her mental health concerns, then we hope this stands as an example for youth / young adults to do the same.

Featuring...

 "My Girl Story Documentary," tells the stories of 2 African American young women from Detroit and their journey to being the young ladies they want to become. Watch Shokana Blevins and Monay Williams courageously share their stories. 

Have you ever taken time off for mental health? Let us know in the comment section below. And, connect with us in the SPAN youth chat (ages 13 & up) on Wednesdays from 3:00-3:30 PM.

Author,

Jeremy Hayer

Resources:

The SPAN Youth Chat: The SPAN Youth Chat

Physical Activity Websites for Teens (Youth/Young Adults): https://www.montefiore.org/documents/catch/CATCH-Exercise-Teen-Physical-Activity-Web.pdf

My Girl Story Documentary: https://vimeo.com/520226687/499235c69d

Physical Activity is Miracle-Gro for Your Brain: https://youtu.be/ZofSVuSnCFk

Subscribe to SPAN’s YouTube channel: SPAN Parent Advocacy Network

Link to SPAN’s website: www.spanadvocacy.org 

Link to SPAN’s Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know

We’re here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726


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