Being active is SMART: the benefits of daily physical activity

We hear more and more about the benefits of physical activity and how important it is for optimal development and for staying healthy as we age. Several school initiatives have also been launched to encourage students and their families to move more and eat better, so they can build healthy lifestyle habits. However, the focus is often on the positive effects activity has on our appearance. Meanwhile, we tend to forget the many other benefits we get from moving regularly. In fact, physical activity also has significant positive effects on every area of development: intellectual and cognitive, emotional, social and physical.

Intellectual and cognitive development

Exercise boosts blood flow and improves the oxygen supply to brain cells, which makes learning easier by improving concentration and working memory. So it pays to set aside a few minutes to move before diving into a task that requires sustained attention. This tip applies even more to kids when they get home from school. What's more, getting the body moving significantly helps prevent everyday stress and anxiety by reducing symptoms of physical discomfort such as muscle tension, headaches, extreme fatigue, etc. If your kids tend to struggle with anxiety, that's one more reason to give them a little more free time before homework! This natural process that takes place during physical activity also helps lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and/or maintain the current condition for as long as possible. Along the same lines, the serotonin released during exercise helps prevent and fight depression by curbing the negative, automatic thoughts normally generated by the prefrontal cortex (the front part of the brain).

Emotional development

Exercise also boosts self-esteem and self-confidence when we set goals that push us to outdo ourselves. Want a little trick to help your kids set achievable targets and avoid the opposite effect? Use the S.M.A.R.T. acronym. The goal should be:

• S: Simple and specific, focused on the desired development.
• M: Measurable and easy to quantify, and/or showing observable progress.
• A: Achievable based on current potential and abilities.
• R: Realistic.
• T: Time-bound. It has a set time frame with a beginning and an end.

Team sports, for their part, give their members a sense of connection and belonging. Kids can learn about team spirit and trusting others, and benefit from their teammates' encouragement and support, which helps them understand the value each person brings to the team.

Social development

With so many endorphins (feel-good hormones) flowing after a “game,” a weekly class or a one-time activity, how can anyone resist everyone else's good mood? Besides getting us moving, physical activity in small or large groups lets us socialize with people who share our interests. That makes it easier for kids who are shyer or a little awkward to connect.

Physical development

And finally, we couldn't leave out physical development. Sustained activity done 4 to 8 hours before bedtime helps prevent insomnia and promotes restful sleep. Plus, exercise builds our strength and endurance, making other activities less demanding and eventually allowing us to diversify and multiply our sources of enjoyment through physical activity.

Still not convinced of the benefits of physical activity? Go for a run or play with your kids for 15 minutes, then come back and tell me about it!

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