Being Active

When I am active, it means I am moving my body in ways that make my heart beat a little faster and my breathing get a little deeper. I know I’m being active when I’m running during recess, dancing to my favorite song, or riding my bike around my neighborhood. I think of this as building a super-sturdy house for my body to live in, because moving regularly helps me build strong muscles and bones. If I sit still for too long, I might feel tired or sluggish, but moving my body actually gives me more energy. I can feel it working when my heart starts thumping in my chest and my cheeks get warm.

To be active, I find something that I think is fun. It doesn’t have to be a sport. Sometimes I like to explore a park, play tag with my friends, or even create a new dance. I try to make this a regular part of my day, like right after school or on the weekends. Before I start, I know it’s a great idea to warm up my body. I do this by gently stretching. I reach for the sky and then slowly try to touch my toes, feeling my muscles wake up. After that, it’s time to move and have fun! When I’m finished, I help my body cool down. I walk slowly and take a few deep, calming breaths until I feel my heartbeat return to its normal rhythm.

Being active does more than just make my body strong; it helps my brain, too. I’ve noticed that moving my body can help me focus better in school. It makes it easier to solve that tricky math problem after I've had time to run around. Being active can also make me feel happier. When I move, my brain releases special chemicals that can boost my mood and help me feel less worried or stressed. Ultimately, staying active gives me the power and energy to do all the things I love, from learning new skills to going on adventures with my family and friends.