Physical activity is increasingly more important to academic success, experts say, and that link starts at an early age.
Core strength and motor skills in growing children are developed by exercise, and exercise translates into healthy mental development skills.
Exercises like rolling around on the ground, crawling and playing catch all work to help children develop crucial eye-hand coordination and skills needed for brain activity.
As kids grow, the link between physical activity and academic success strengthens, according to several reports, including information provided by The Delaware Department of Education.
Physical activity and team activity also help build a good student by virtue of learning cooperative participation, learning together and bonding through enabling each other on the field, according to a report on How To Learn.com, a website for educators.
But most of all, there are mental health benefits from physical activity for those of all ages and particularly in young adults.
Students who are more active physically "are more likely to perform better in school, learn social lessons and gain friendships," according to How To Learn.com.
Psychologists and experts know the value of exercise and its impact on mental outlook. Michael Otto, a professor of psychology at Boston University, says there is still work to be done to assess the impact of physical activity on the brain.
"People know that exercise helps physical outcomes," he said. "But there is much less awareness of mental health outcomes."
But, he said, while its impact on mood is not quantifiable, exercise has undeniable benefits. He said that within five minutes after moderate exercise there is a "mood-enhancement effect."
