The importance of swimming on the emotional development of primary school children

The importance of swimming on the emotional development of primary school children

By : Mr. Gustu

All activities that children and even adults undertake are opportunities and venues for learning.  Physical activities don’t only train and strengthen us physically; emotional, social and psychological learnings take place too.  Encouraging our kids to partake in sport activities provides them with holistic development needed for the future, too.  Doing it as a family or in a team will make it even more fun!

One such physical activity is swimming.  Below are its benefits.

1. Social support: Swimming in a group or taking lessons can provide social support and help combat feelings of isolation.

2. Cognitive benefits: Being in water can increase blood circulation to the brain, which can promote cognitive well-being.

3. Better sleep: Swimming can help improve sleep, which is important for mental health.

4. When you’re stressed or panicked, you tend to take in shallower and more rapid breaths. This can lead to hyperventilation and possibly morph into a panic attack. However, the breathing pattern in swimming ensures that you take in enough air that can prevent the possibility of such attacks. Swimming can help in lowering blood pressure, eliminating toxins from the body and assisting in relaxation.

5.  Swimming makes you happy. Do you need surefire ways to improve your mood and smile? Swimming and water sports can help you experience feelings of happiness by releasing endorphins. Endorphins act on opiate receptors in your brain. They increase pleasure which results in a feeling of well-being or happiness. Exercise such as swimming is a great way to produce endorphins.

6. Increases blood flow to the brain. Increased blood flow to your brain helps improve memory and mood, gives you more clarity and increases your focus.

7. Swimming teaches kids how to focus without making it feel like they are learning something. It also gives another physical outlet for children who need to get some energy out.

The next time your children have opportunities to swim, encourage and support them.  You can be at ease knowing all the benefits it provides.

Resources:

https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/feeling-blue-go-for-a-swim-for-these-6-mental-health-benefits/ 

https://www.whitefishwave.com/2021/08/10-mental-health-benefits-of-swimming-and-water-exercise/