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Movement

Moving every day

Children need about an hour of active play every day. Moving makes your heart, bones and muscles strong and helps you feel happy.

Why move?

Running, jumping and playing make your heart and lungs strong, build strong bones and muscles, and help you sleep better.

Moving also makes your brain release feel-good chemicals, so it can lift your mood and help you concentrate in class.

How much?

Children and teenagers should be active for about one hour every day, added up across the day.

Some of that should make you breathe faster and feel warm, like running, cycling, skipping or playing football, kabaddi or kho-kho.

A few times a week, do activities that make your bones and muscles strong, like jumping, climbing, hopscotch or swinging on monkey bars.

Ideas for every day

Walk or cycle to school if it is safe. Play outside after homework. Dance to music at home. Help carry the shopping bags.

Rainy day? Try yoga, skipping in a corridor, or a dance game with your siblings and cousins.

Try to take breaks from sitting, especially during long screen time or homework.

Play safe

Drink water before, during and after play, especially in hot weather. Avoid playing in the strongest afternoon sun.

Wear a helmet when cycling. If you get hurt or feel dizzy or very short of breath, stop and tell a grown-up.

Key points

  • Aim for about one hour of active play every day.
  • Mix running games with jumping and climbing.
  • Moving helps your body, your sleep and your mood.
  • Drink water and play safe.

Myth or fact?

Myth

Only children who are good at sport need exercise.

Fact

Every child needs to move every day. Dancing, walking and playing all count, and it is meant to be fun.

Myth

Girls should not play rough outdoor games.

Fact

All children benefit from running, jumping and team sports. Everyone deserves a chance to play.

When to get help

  • Stop and tell a grown-up if you have chest pain, feel faint or cannot catch your breath while playing.
  • If you hurt yourself and it is swollen or very painful, a doctor can check it.
Get help now

Check what you know

Question 1

1.How much active play should children aim for each day?

Question 2

2.Which activity helps make bones strong?

Question 3

3.What should you do if you feel dizzy while playing?

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Based on guidance from WHO, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, UNICEF. Awaiting review by Puberty Lab's clinical advisory board. General education, not medical advice for any one person.

Moving every day · Puberty Lab