How Recess Benefits Kids' Physical and Mental Health

by Austin Stanfel Building a Foundation for the Future

All superintendents, principals, and teachers plan ahead for next school year knowing that this generation of children have more anxiety and depression in their lives. A recent study released by NPR revealed that one in five kids in the US have shown signs of a mental health problem. Researchers in Boston College say that rates of depression and anxiety has been rising for the last 50 years, that students in high school and college are likely to be diagnosed with either condition nearly eight times as much compared to 1970. What causes anxiety and depression is known: cyber-bullying, childhood obesity, pervasive use of social media as a negative influence, harder testing, and extreme focus on a student’s academia.

However, many research connect the focus to physical activity for students to that can help with a growing mental health crisis. Recess has been seen decreasing during the curriculum. Yet, there is a lot to motivate to get children out to play from 30-60 minutes a day. It has been proven that students have better learning skills when their efforts are distributed towards many things rather than concentrated on just one subject. This includes breaks in between as it allows children to process their information in batches rather than a constant line. Unstructured play is must for young kids. Also, they are being exposed to natural light, stimulating the part of the brain that helps with our biological clock. The light allows the body to take in Vitamin D.

Recess also means the release of endorphins that helps reduces stress. Unstructured physical play is a valuable benefit to help children offset any negatives when it comes to their health. For the most hyper children, recess is the best opportunity to release energy in a healthy way. Children can openly behave in a loud, boisterous manner where they cannot do during class. Recess is a break from structure and children have the chance to take control of what they can do. It also helps their social skills, where children can socialize with others. Because everyone is on their phone, being outside gets them to interact with others naturally.

On top of everything, exercise is healthy and can help fight obesity. Research has shown that children who are physically active at school will also be equally active at home and not inside. Exercise helps the brain and is made active at its highest because their room to think grows and opens up the vessels that allows more oxygen and water to come in. All the bodily toxins are all also removed while they sweat it out.

More parents are recognizing the dangers of their child’s mental well-being and are looking at the lack of exercise as a problem. Teachers and administrators all concerned for safety and education that recess is nearly removed. It is even prohibited as a form of punishment for the smallest issues. Regardless, children need to have their recess because it is beneficial in every part of a child’s development. Recess should not be held back but expanded to help encourage the benefits of their physical and mental state.