Now that the Ladies European Cup triumph and the Commonwealth Games are over, I hope that many of our youngsters have been encouraged to participate in one or more of the sports that they have watched during their break from school. Education is more than sitting at a desk with one’s head in a book. A healthy body and an active mind go together hand in hand, if you feel good physically then the chances are that you will feel good mentally and this plays a huge role in dealing with stress.
There is no doubt that if you continuously study without an active break there is a danger that the mind will stagnate.
Regular Exercise will enhance:
- Quality of life
- Emotional wellbeing
- Health
- Concentration
- Self-discipline
- Self-confidence
- Ability to manage anxiety and stress
- Social skills
- Capacity for learning
- Energy levels
Standards
You do not have to be of international, county, district or even school standard to be an athlete. The most important criteria is to enjoy the sport or activity in which you participate. Unfortunately some coaches (and parents) have been known to overstep the mark and push youngsters past the point where the enjoyment factor drops off the scale.
Nutrition
Having a well-balanced diet leads to long term health benefits reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. When properly adhered to a balanced diet will also bolster your immunity to diseases, but just eating healthy at home is not always enough, you still need an active lifestyle to stimulate the mind to its optimum level.
Where to find Sports Clubs and Activities Organisations
All our local schools have time tabled sports and activities, some of them out of normal school hours. There are numerous sports clubs of one kind or another within the area that encourage young children to participate. Remember you do not have to be an outstanding athlete to take part. Just enjoy the participation and the making of new friends.
Useful sites for finding an activity in your area include:
http://glosoracle.com
https://www.activeoxfordshire.org/access-sport-oxfordshire
By John Harris