Get Moving for Mental Health! - 20 Child-Friendly Exercise Cards - Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

Let’s get moving for our mental and physical health. These cards can be used from anywhere - whether indoors or outdoors - to get hearts pumping and bodies moving. Our Get Moving Cards offer a versatile and fun approach to keeping active and can be easily adapted for different settings and age groups. Whether used individually, in groups, or as part of a daily routine, they provide an opportunity for children to explore movement and observe the effects on their bodies.

Of course, you don't have to use these cards just for Mental Health Awareness Week, you can incorporate them into your home or setting all year round too. They are great for PE sessions, brain breaks, warm ups and so much more!

Key features:

• 20 child-friendly exercises from heart pumping cardio to calming stretches.
• 5 Animal Cards - Move like a gorilla or a crab using our fun and hilarious bonus cards!
• Perfect for individual or group use.
• Can be used indoors or outdoors, whatever the weather and where space is limited.

Here are some ideas of how you can use our cards:

• Individual use: Ask your child to pick five cards and random and complete the exercises. After each exercise, ask them to explore and notice the changes in their body.
• Group use: Split your class into four small groups, ask each group to pick a card at random and complete the exercise. Keep going until all the cards have been picked. Ask the groups how they feel afterwards and what changes they have noticed in their bodies.
• Daily use: Why not incorporate these cards into your home or setting daily? Use them to get little brains and bodies in gear, ready to learn or start the day!

Benefits of Exercise on Mental Health

We all know the physical benefits of exercise, but did you now there are a plethora of mental health benefits too? Let's explore these below:

• Reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression: Physical activity has been shown to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression by reducing levels of stress hormones and stimulating the production of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.
• Releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters: Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced by the brain during exercise. They interact with receptors in the brain to reduce pain perception and trigger positive feelings.
• Improves sleep quality and patterns: Regular physical activity can help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality. It can also reduce symptoms of insomnia and promote deeper, more restful sleep, leading to improved mental clarity and mood during the day.
• Boosts self-esteem and confidence: Engaging in regular exercise can improve body image, self-esteem, and confidence levels.
• Enhances cognitive function and memory: Exercise has been linked to improved cognitive function, including better memory, attention, and processing speed. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promotes the growth of new brain cells, and enhances neurotransmitter function, all of which contribute to cognitive health.
• Provides a healthy outlet for managing emotions: Exercise serves as a constructive way to manage and regulate emotions. It can help individuals cope with stress, anger, and frustration by providing a temporary distraction and promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being.
• Develops social connections and support networks through group activities: Participating in group exercise classes, sports teams, or outdoor activities can facilitate social interaction, foster a sense of belonging, and provide emotional support. Building connections with others who share similar interests can contribute to overall mental health and happiness.
• Increases overall sense of well-being and happiness: Regular physical activity is associated with an improved sense of overall well-being and life satisfaction. The combination of physical health benefits, reduced stress, enhanced mood, and social engagement contributes to a greater sense of happiness and fulfilment.

Get your children moving by downloading these fun, child-friendly exercises now!