Physical activity promotes learning, study capabilities and wellbeing

Lead-in paragraph

By increasing movement and physical activity, we can ensure that our students are well, maintain their study capabilities and learn in the best possible way.

Opiskelijat pelaavat pihalla koripalloa — Photo: Laura Oja

Why do we encourage students to be more physically active during their studies?

Studies show that, on average, students spend nearly 70% of their waking hours sitting. 75% of young people who have quit a hobby in a sports club would like to start their hobby again, and 75% of upper secondary education students would like to be more physically active. We also know that physical activity and increasing it in daily life support the student’s wellbeing and study capabilities – and, in turn, their learning. This is why we at the City of Helsinki want to get our upper secondary education students moving more as part of their study day and on leisure time.

Through cooperation between the school and the student’s home, we are helping our young people be more active and healthier in accordance with the national physical activity recommendations (UKK Institute):

Ages 7–17

At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day
Physical activity that considerably increases the heart rate and frequency of breathing three times a week
Physical activity that strengthens the muscles and the bones three times a week

Ages 18–64

Muscle fitness and body control twice a week
Vigorous physical activity for 1 h 15 minutes a week or moderate physical activity for 2 hours 30 minutes a week
Light physical activity as often as possible, breaks from inactivity whenever possible and enough restorative sleep

See the UKK Institute's physical activity recommendation in more detail(Link leads to external service)

We encourage young people to increase physical activity in their leisure time

Physical activity during leisure time enables the young person to express themselves through an enjoyable hobby. That can also open a path to social interaction with others. At its best, physical activity during leisure time creates and maintains friendships. An enjoyable physical activity helps recovering from the daily challenges and provides a good balance for studies. When the young person improves their physical condition in their leisure time, their study capabilities and mental resources for studies improve as well.

Bringing up physical activity at educational institutions

Physical activity can be a sensitive topic of discussion, but there is no need to avoid talking about it. At schools, physical activity is brought up with a low threshold by using the model of the City of Helsinki. In the model, a student welfare worker charts the student’s relationship with physical activity through a short series of questions. The aim is to help students find the city's sports services.

How can I support my young person’s physical activity as their guardian?

You can support the young person’s physical activity in many ways.

Encourage and motivate them to be physically active. Be patient and encourage the young person to find their own way of being physically active. Do not force – facilitate instead.
Sometimes less is more. The young person has a great study load, so even small acts of physical activity, such as walking and outdoor activities, make a difference. Take small steps forward.
Set an example – be physically active together. Shared activities have power and joy.
Know that physical activity and wellbeing have an effect on the young person’s study capabilities and, ultimately, learning. Through physical activity, you are helping the young person in their studies as well.