E is for Exercise (Primary)
The science bit!
when we do something physical, our heart rate increases, our blood pumps, our lungs fill up with air so that our cells can receive oxygen, our muscles move!
Find your flow
*Day Five* and E is for Exercise
Exercising is a great way to get out of our thoughts & feel more energetic! Plus moving mindfully connects our minds and our bodies & can be super helpful for when we want to focus. Exercise can help us get into a really good state of mind called ‘flow’ where we’re totally in the moment, going with the flow, everything running smoothly, you might even lose track of time!
Fun things to practice
Our brains love exercise! All that extra blood in our system helps us become more alert, focussed and awake, through hormones called ‘endorphins’. Our bodies work really well together to make sure that every bit of the body has a special part to play. Here’s some super easy ways to get you moving:
1. See how many different types of exercise you can do each day, from walking to running, from jumping to going up and down stairs, riding your bike, throwing a ball, playing football, the list is endless!
2. What’s your favourite way of exercising? Is it by yourself or with a friend? How can you do it more often, perhaps by following YouTube or your favourite sports star?
3. Put some music on and shake your body! Start with your toes, your feet, your legs. Keeping your feet glued to the floor, wiggle the rest of your body, your tummy, your hands, your arms, your neck and your head (go gently with these last two). Wiggle quickly! Wiggle slowly! Wiggle in time with the music
Exercising can hep us notice really big sensations in our bodies which is really helpful for when we’re feeling a bit anxious about all the changes happening. So today, how about have fun exercising!
The not-so-small small print
There is none! Simply return to this part of the website daily to get the next part of the practice.. No payment or subscription required. This is a resource we are sharing with all of you through the website and aiming to help our youngsters, in the various stages of their lives. This program contains information and practices that are aimed for two different age groups and we intend to mostly post the primary level information in the morning and the secondary level in the afternoon. Please leave us a comment and let us know how you are getting on or get in touch if you require additional support.
Z is for Zebra, Summer Resilience Program Final Entry (Primary) with thanks to Brene Brown & Greater Good Science Centre at UCLA Berkeley Youth for their ‘zebra’ advice & to Education Scotland for their inspiration for this programme x