In Term 3 students from Hills Grammar’s PASS subject explored the connection between nutrition and physical activity and mental health during the lockdown.
By studying this elective, students develop knowledge and understanding around the contribution of physical activity and sport to individual, community and societal wellbeing and enhance the participation and performance of themselves and others in physical activity and sport.
Below is an exert from one of the student’s extraordinary articles titled Teenagers Healthy Eating Habits wrote by Hannah Read (Year 10 Hills Grammar student).
HOW EATING WELL AND EXERCISING AN IMPROVE YOUR WELLBEING SIGNIFICANTLY IN LOCKDOWN:
There are many ways in which food plays a vital role in maintaining your physical and mental health. Eating a nourishing, balanced diet helps with your overall sense of wellbeing, and while the pandemic continues to affect everyday life, a healthy approach to food is more important than ever in terms of supporting our mental health.
When eating heald1y your body will become regular. This can come with a lower amount of bloating and discomfort along with looking slimmer as well. You’ll notice your moods are more stable. You have fewer ups and downs throughout the day and may even start to feel more empowered in your daily life, feeling like an overall happier you.
Physical activity has a huge potential to enhance your well-being. Even a short burst of 10 minutes’ brisk walking increases your mental alertness, energy and positive mood as I have experienced first-hand when I go for walks/ runs.
Participation in regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise stimulates your body to release proteins and other chemicals that improve the structure and function of your brain, strengthen your bones and muscles.
Regular exercise can help kids and teens build strong bones and later in life, it can also slow the loss of bone density that comes with aging. One of the biggest benefits of participating in physical activity is an improved social life. Especially if you participate in team sports or exercise with a group.
