Introduction
Are you a parent concerned about your young person’s mental well-being? If you remember the rollercoaster of emotions from your own youth, you’re not alone—and neither is your young adult. In today’s social media-driven culture, stress and emotional challenges are more prevalent than ever among young people. But what if I told you that a simple 15-minute workout could transform your young person’s perspective? Better yet, even a 30-second cold water splash at the end of a shower, combined with box breathing, can make a world of difference.
Drawing from 15 years of experience in the MoD-sponsored Cadet Forces and as a youth worker, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of quick and simple exercise routines. My own journey through anxiety and PTSD has also given me a unique understanding of the mental health challenges that young people face today.
The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
Stress Reduction
According to a study by Dr. Anand Nadkarni and Dr. Sukhada Abhiram, exercise is a therapeutic lifestyle change that can significantly reduce stress levels. When your young person engages in physical activity, their body releases endorphins, which act as natural stress-relievers. In fact, those who engage in regular exercise are 20% less likely to report high stress levels. Source
Anger Management: A review by Patrick J. Smith and Rhonda M. Merwin suggests that both aerobic and resistance exercise paradigms are effective in treating anxiety and stress, which can indirectly help in anger management. Physical activity can serve as a healthy outlet for pent-up emotions, providing your young person with a constructive way to release their anger. Source
Improved Focus: The same review also indicates that exercise can have additive or synergistic influences on key cognitive and behavioural processes, improving focus and academic performance. This is particularly important for young people who are navigating the challenges of school and extracurricular activities. Source
Actionable Steps
Here’s a simple routine that takes less than 15 minutes, which you and your young person can easily follow to manage stress:
- Jumping Jacks: 1 minute
- Push-Ups: 1 minute
- Sit-Ups: 1 minute
- Rest: 30 seconds
- Repeat: Do this circuit 3 times
Download our Exercise Tracker PDF to keep track of your progress!
Conclusion
Exercise isn’t just about physical health; it’s a vital tool for mental well-being. By encouraging our young adults to participate in regular physical activity, we can equip them with the skills they need to manage stress and anger effectively. As someone who has seen the positive impact of exercise on young people’s mental health, I can’t stress enough how important it is to make exercise a regular part of their routine.
What next?
Ready to make a change? Check out the Open All Hours sessions and see the difference it can make. Share your experiences on social media and explore other relevant programs and initiatives on offer around South Queensferry from the local groups and pages such as Youth Talk Queensferry & Kirliston or What’s On In South Queensferry. Either click the link or scan the QR code below!
