We all know the importance of exercise on our health. Visit any doctor, and they will stress being active each day, either by exercising alone or participating in team sports. These activities also apply to children, especially traumatized children.
Having grown up as an abused child, I can profess that athletics played a huge role in my ability to cope and manage the trauma that I had endured. Although I excelled in many sports, my favorite was softball. While playing softball I could hit the ball, releasing anger and tension, throw to help teach me teamwork and build relationships, and run to release endorphins that kept my mood in check.
While not every child is cut out for team sports, even individual exercise can increase self-esteem and not only improve emotional well-being but physical as well. While team sports can teach respect for self and others, individual sports such as weight lifting can bring positive thoughts and feelings as well.
As an adult, I am forever grateful for my athletic ability and opportunity as a child. Playing sports served as “therapy” for me, and it prevented me from engaging in negative behaviors such as drugs or alcohol. I continue to use exercise today to keep my mind and feelings in check. If your child is not “athletic,” even getting outside and playing a game of tag is a positive activity. Running around seems to always bring a smile to the face of a child.