Physical Activity & Teen Mental Health
As a teen, developing healthy brain function and mental health are essential. Regular physical activity in teens can decrease stress, anxiety and depression, improve mood, energy level, cognition and sleep by increasing levels of the body’s “happy hormones”…serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. Physical activity also decreases levels of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol causes the important “fight or flight” response to stressful or dangerous situations, though with chronic stress conditions cortisol is extremely harmful to our bodies. Teens who are at-risk or experience homelessness generally have lower levels of physical activity, and significantly higher rates of emotional, behavioral, immediate and long-term health issues including poor academic performance, anxiety, depression and suicide.
While there are limitless physical activities that support mental health, easy access and little or no required equipment are beneficial in promoting consistency and long term benefits. Research supports that performing these activities for 30-plus minutes, three or more times per week is important , with added benefits when done outdoors in a nature setting. Simple, available, effective options include walking outdoors in a neighborhood, a park, at the beach, or on a nature trail.
Outdoor activities with our student care coordinator and adult volunteers are integral in providing our Robyne’s Nest students with experiences that many have never been exposed to, and for increasing their awareness and understanding of the mental benefits of activity and nature. In April, students trekked to the “Top of the World” in Laguna Beach, and last week they enjoyed paddle boarding, swimming, bridge jumping, and a picnic on the beach at Huntington Harbor.
Robyne’s Nest provides wraparound services to the teens we serve in the HBUHSD and NMUSD areas. The services we provide include safe housing, mental health therapy, tutoring, basic needs foods and supplies, transportation support, and Life Skills classes, which focus on self-sufficiency and self-care…teaching students to be proactive with their mental and physical well being.
SAMHSA Homeless Youth Disorders
Homelessness and Physical Activity
Reducing Adolescent Depression with Physical Activity