Physical and Emotional Well Being
Physical well-being
The benefits of exercise can be both physical and psychological. Regular physical exercise is extremely good for the body and mind as it improves the heart muscle, and reduces high blood pressure which is often caused by stress
Exercise also results in the releasing of endorphins into the blood stream, giving you the feel good factor and changing your mood. As well as helping to keep the body healthy and toned.
Exercise Dissipates the by products of stress and flushes the excess out of the system.
We notice the difference in children when they have been sitting down for a long time, they become tired and lethargic and need to move around and increase physical energy just as adults do.
Physical well-being is also important to the growth and physical development of babies and children. We are aware through the media and research that physical exercise and healthy nutritional food are vitally important in maintaining the health and well-being of both children and adults. Exercise improves self image and confidence.
Healthy Eating
There are many ways to maintain a healthy mind and body. Eating a well balanced diet is one way.
The more antioxidant your body takes in the better your defences against stress, disease, cancer and ageing, say scientists. Certain foods contain powerful anti oxidants that boost the immune system and protect your body against free radicals that damage body cells which lead to disease and ageing. Dark or intensely coloured fruit and vegetables tend to be higher in antioxidants. These include broccoli, cabbage, spinach, peppers, blue berries, strawberries, cranberries, cherries. Think of antioxidants as soldiers working together as an army to fight and free your body free radicals.
Remember to eat breakfast as it starts you off for day and gets your metabolism working.
Limit caffeine to 3 or 4 cups per day and drink plenty of water to flush out the body and avoid dehydration.
Watch the alcohol, vitamin B is used in the breaking down process,
Self Esteem and confidence
When we become stressed and anxious our confidence and self esteem are affected. We worry about things that would not normally bother us and feel de-skilled and incapable of doing our jobs well. We become overly sensitive and critical to others comments and this can lead to negative thought patterns and habits, such as overeating, chain smoking or substance abuse.
We all recognise how important it is for us to be praised and recognised for the work we have done well, just as children need to be praised and recognised for their efforts and achievements. So it is important for both our self esteem and confidence and children's, that we are all able to express our feelings and be valued for our unique qualities and abilities.
Environments
Our environments play a vitally important part in creating a relaxing space for both adults and children. Environments that are warm and welcoming with comfortable furnishings and gentle relaxing music playing provide a wonderfully calm experience. While the opposite of this is when you enter a building where there is a great deal of noise that is loud and it makes us feel anxious and stressed.
As we all know, children as well as adults need opportunity for stillness, calmness and their own space on a regular basis.