Science has shown that play, particularly play that stimulates the vestibular system (the part of the inner-ear responsible for our sense of balance and spatial orientation), activates areas of the brain critical to our ability to pay attention, turn our thoughts into actions, coordinate movement and respond to sensory data.
Play, recess, and physical education improve the ability to handle stress by "training” the body. Activities like running, jumping or playing tag help develop the experience needed to recover faster from the quick surges of adrenaline associated with both physically demanding activity and emotionally stressful situations. Exercise (which for children generally means active play) encourages the development of new brain cells (Van Praag et al., 1999), increases the production of brain chemicals which boost neurons' ability to communicate with one another (Kesslak, Patrick, So, Cotman, & Gomez-Pinilla, 1998) AND increases the production of both norepinephrine and dopamine which energize and elevate mood (Chaouloff, 1989).
Exercise has been shown to improve cognition, enhance memory, and reduce the likelihood of depression (Kempermann, 2002), and students who are engaged in daily physical education programs consistently show superior motor fitness, better academic performance and a better attitude toward school than students who do not participate in daily physical education (Donevan & Andrew, 1986). Swinging, rolling, jumping, crawling, rocking, and tumbling (all of which stimulate the vestibular system) are, therefore, crucial not only for your child's physical development but also for their cognitive development and their mental health.
Happily, this leads to an obvious conclusion: If you want to help your children develop to their fullest potential and live their happiest, best lives, tell them to “go play."
If you want to bring even more joy, balance and “coping capacity” into YOUR life, “go play” with them! Get outside, play tag, do a cartwheel, jump for joy!
Fifteen minutes a day can make a world of difference…
Wishing you a day filled with light, learning & joy!
Marsya~
