Physical activity and mental health

Children need plenty of activity to support healthy growth and development. As well as physical benefits, being active can help your child to:

• learn and concentrate

• learn new skills

• grow in self-confidence

• sleep better

• deal with stress better

• make and keep friendships.

For more information about wellbeing in children visit raisingchildren.net.au. 

Get free support for families with school aged children with Go4Fun.

Expert tips to support your children’s wellbeing

In this video, psychologist Daniel Angus from the Mental Health Commission NSW shares expert tips about supporting wellbeing in children. 

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Video transcript

Healthy habits for your child’s wellbeing

[Dr Daniel Angus]

If you want your child to experience good wellbeing, you can't ignore their physical and mental health.

Wellbeing is about physical and mental health together. Physical and mental health are inextricably linked. So what happens in our bodies impacts our minds and what happens in our minds impacts our bodies.

The foundations here at a young age are so critical and I think parents have such an important role to play.

So here are some tips, here are some things that you can do for good wellbeing.

Eating well, finding right foods, healthy foods.
Being active, whether that be going for bush walks, dancing, hikes, or just playing sport.
Being in green spaces.

Now, those things are so critical in contributing to somebody's wellbeing.

You know, connect with them, listen to them, be present. You can help find little moments in the day to slow down to connect with your kids. That might be over a healthy meal at dinner time, that might be going on a walk when you're walking the dog.

Being interested in what they're doing, encouraging your child to pursue things that they love, things that they're good at.

You have all the ingredients that you need to set your child up for life.

Building good habits is something that all of us can do, and that is what good physical and mental health wellbeing is about. It's about investing in our kids' minds and bodies.

Increasing your movement and activity can help to:

• improve your sleep

• raise your energy levels

• improve your confidence and self-esteem

• improve your mood and concentration

• reduce loneliness and help you build connections

• ease stress and lower anxiety.

Access free support to be more active with the Get Healthy Service. 

Getting or staying active as you get older can help to:

• improve blood flow to your brain, which can help you think more clearly

• maintain and improve memory

• keep your brain healthy

• stay more independent.

Find programs and resources to help you get or stay active. 

Try walking, riding or other active ways to get to work. Or get off the bus or train one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way. 

Find out more about how exercise can promote your wellbeing at Black Dog Institute.

Learn more about the recommended amount of physical activity for adults and for children. 

Getting good sleep helps both your body and mind. It can:

• improve your mood.

• boost your concentration.

• make it easier to handle daily stress.

Being active during the day can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.

To improve your sleep, try to:

• reduce noise and light in your bedroom.

• avoid screens before bed.

Find tips on sleep to support your child’s health.