Back-to-school season often conjures up images of kids sitting in classrooms, but recent evidence suggests that getting them outside and active may be the key to their academic success. Exercise has long been known to benefit physical health, but researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have discovered that it also has a positive impact on academic performance and helps to prevent school burnout.
The researchers analyzed data from over 34,000 adolescents as part of the 2015 School Health Promotion study. They found that different types of physical activity had varying effects on students. “Active school transport,” such as walking or biking to school, and “leisure time physical activity,” like participating in sports, both showed positive benefits.
Active school transport was associated with higher perceived academic performance, self-reported competency in academic skills, and increased school enjoyment. Leisure time physical activity, on the other hand, had an even greater impact on well-being. Students who engaged in 4 to 6 hours of physical activity per week had nearly 50% lower odds of experiencing school burnout compared to their inactive peers.
The study also examined the symptoms of school burnout, which included exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of inadequacy. Notably, leisure-time physical activity had a significant impact on reducing burnout. Students who engaged in such activity were less likely to experience burnout and more likely to report high school enjoyment.
These findings are consistent with previous studies that have shown the positive effects of physical activity on academic performance and mental health in children and adolescents. While this particular study focused on physical activity outside of school, there is reason to believe that exercise within school, such as physical education classes, can be even more beneficial for learning and academic performance.
The exact mechanisms by which exercise improves mental health are not fully understood, but there are neurological explanations. Regular physical activity can increase the brain’s ability to change and adapt, and even a single bout of exercise can reduce stress and improve mood, working memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility.
Movement activates endorphins, which create a more positive mood, and exercise also improves the quality of sleep, which is known to impact mental health. Physical activity has been shown to improve attention and concentration, both of which are crucial for academic performance.
While it’s important for parents to be aware of the connection between physical activity and mental health, it’s equally important not to force kids to exercise or prioritize certain types of movement over others. Forcing children to do something they don’t enjoy will only turn them off from physical activity. Instead, parents should talk to their children and encourage them to try different activities that interest them. Movement should be made fun and started early in life and encouraged frequently.
Regardless of the type of physical activity, whether it’s a short bike ride to school or participation in a sports team, parents can be confident that it will have a positive impact on their child’s well-being.
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