Physical Education

Physical Activity is an easy way to quickly boost your mood. Engaging in physical activity is proven to increase the secretion of hormones that result in positive and happy moods Dopamine:   reduces self-doubt, and increases motivation levels  Serotonin:   Makes you feel happy, reduces depression symptoms Oxytocin:  builds trust, intimacy and healthy relationships Endorphins:  decreases stress levels and reduces pain symptoms Participating in a 20 minute, moderately intense workout can result in a 12 hour mood improvement and a  45 to 60 minute workout eases symptoms of chronic depression.  Exercising helps you to sleep better which helps you recover physically and mentally

Mental health concerns are gradually becoming more and more of a societal problem. There has been a drastic increases in mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. This could be due to a wide variety of factors, such as increased emphasis on perfection in grades, stressful  personal life events, or simply genetics. While these are more prevalent in our society, there is still a negative stigma surrounding mental illness, which seems extremely counterproductive. Depression and anxiety can be addressed in our classrooms by simply having the difficult discussion and by offering support and coping mechanisms, but it is equally as important that we do not discredit their struggle by saying their struggle can be easily solved through maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Acknowledge the fact that it is never easy and it will never be a linear progression to improvement. Be patient and supportive

I have noticed that it is common for people to have a difficult time finding the motivation to start working out. Often times as well, once someone begins to work out, they start off strong and gradually lose interest and stop going. It is important that as School Wellness Educators, we help our students find an intrinsic   motivator that allows for that individual to consistently strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle rather than simply fizzing out. The motivators rely on that individuals wants and needs, though some could be as simple as wanting to improve their sports performance to wanting to alter their body image.  

Hannah Nurse Hello! My name is Hannah Nurse and I am from Buffalo, New York. I am a sophomore in the Health and Physical Education major with concentration in School Wellness Education at Slippery Rock University. I am on the SRU Field Hockey Team and have been playing field hockey since I was in 5th Grade. I am hoping to one day be a Health and Physical Education Professor with a side job as a high school field hockey coach.