It's well known that increases in screen time is associated with increases in depressive symptoms. A study by Boers, et al. found that "for every increased hour spent using social media, adolescents showed a 0.64-unit increase in depressive symptoms" (2019). The younger kids are when they are exposed to phones, computers, and tablets and spend hours at a time on them, the greater the likelihood they are to experience depressive symptoms as they grow. This is why it's crucial to get kids of all ages to go play outside for at least 30 minutes a day.
Participating in team sports is also an excellent way to get children to exercise! It helps mitigate depressive symptoms, increases fitness, and includes a vast array of social health benefits, while improving their socioemotional development (click Social Health Benefits in the top bar for more information on this topic).
Exercise isn't just beneficial for kids, it's beneficial for people of all ages! Additional studies have found that after completion of an exercise program, people have a more positive outlook of the physical activity, moreover, their mood is enhanced (Waldron, 2009). This isn't just limited to time spent in the gym, but can be applied to sports and other forms of recreation such as hiking and walking. So take a break, stretch your
legs, and exercise! Even a 10 minute
walking break is proven to enhance your mood.
All in all, exercise can decrease depressive symptoms, enhance your mood immediately after exercise and over time, and significantly decrease levels of hopelessness.
