Photo byRobert CollinsonUnsplash

The Big Question: Do Active Kids Handle Stress Better?

Hey there, dear reader! Ever wondered why kids seem to bounce back from challenges so quickly? Well, the secret might just be in their playtime. Let's dive into some fascinating findings that might just make you rethink your child's daily routine.

The Study: Movement, Kids, and Cortisol

"Get moving!" - It's a phrase we've all heard, especially when we're feeling a bit overwhelmed. Exercise is a known stress-buster for adults. But what about our little ones? Does running around the playground or kicking a soccer ball help them deal with school pressures?

A recent study led by the dynamic duo, Dr. Manuel Hanke and Dr. Sebastian Ludyga from the University of Basel, delved deep into this very question. Their findings? Published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, the research suggests that yes, active kids do handle stress better!

The Method: Sensors, Tasks, and Saliva

The study involved 110 children, aged between 10 and 13. These young participants wore sensors for a week, tracking their every move. Later, they were subjected to both stressful and non-stressful tasks in a lab setting. The main indicator of stress? The concentration of the stress hormone, cortisol, in their saliva.

The Findings: Active Kids, Less Stress

The results were intriguing. Kids who engaged in more than an hour of physical activity daily (as recommended by the World Health Organization) produced significantly less cortisol during the stress task compared to their less active counterparts. Dr. Ludyga offers a fascinating explanation: when children engage in regular physical activities like running or swimming, their brains start associating the cortisol spike with positive experiences. This association might just be the reason they don't get overly stressed during exams or other challenging situations.

The Bigger Picture: Brainwaves and Future Research

But wait, there's more! The study also looked into cognitive reactions to stress by recording the children's brainwaves. While this data is still under analysis, the initial findings hint at the possibility that physical activity might influence how stress affects our thinking. Ever experienced a mental block during a test? Well, regular exercise might just be the key to preventing that!

Conclusion: Get Those Kids Moving!

So, what's the takeaway? Encouraging your child to be active isn't just about physical health. It's also about equipping them with the tools to handle life's challenges. Whether it's a game of tag, a swim in the pool, or a bike ride around the block, every bit counts.

References:

• Hanke, M., Looser, V. N., Bruggisser, F., Leuenberger, R., Gerber, M., & Ludyga, S. (2023). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and reactivity to acute psychosocial stress in preadolescent children. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Link
• University of Basel. (2023, September 5). Active children are more resilient. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 6, 2023, from ScienceDaily