Exercise And Play

Often times, when children return from playing, they look quite exhausted and ready for a nap.  The truth is,  playing is hard work!  It's exhausting to the mind and body of the child, and it plays an important role in helping them to become productive and healthy.

The role of play and exercise in the life of a young child will provide them with several benefits. Exercise is a very important part of keeping the young body fit as it grows into an adult body.  Once we reach adulthood, if we've had the benefits of exercise and play, we will tend to continue that habit well into our adult years.

Playground in Charlton Park. You can join in sports related exercise to get those muscles working.(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Play is also good in the form of participating in organized sports, coordinated play times, and being a member of a large group during all of these types of activities.  Playing on this level will teach us how to interact with peers and perform as a team with our fellow players.  In today's business world, these skills are essential. 

What we learn in body language, coping skills, and the interaction of the mind and body during our interaction with others is invaluable.  When we learn this skills to the fullest, not only will  we learn how to get along with others, but we will also learn how to interact better with ourselves and pay attention to the signals of our bodies.

Although interacting with ourselves may sound like a rather pointless exercise, it is actually an important part of maintaining the best sense of health and wellness.  There will always be times when our bodies are trying to tell us things about our physical or mental condition, which we will simply refuse to listen to.

(Photo credit: Tony Trần)

Through exercise and play, we also learn what our limitations are - both physical and mental.  At times of play, you'll see children and young adults push themselves to their limit and beyond.  As children, we are all more able to distinguish between a real limit versus what society itself calls our limits.

As you can tell, the benefits that are gained from exercise and play time as children will benefit us for the rest of our lives.  As adults, we all too often forget how important both exercise and play are. 

All too often, we want to rush children into their daily responsibilities, forgetting that at their age they need play and interaction for their young minds AND bodies. Be sure your kids are getting plenty of active play time which includes physical exercise.