an elixir of health , so how can we improve the health and fitness of our students ?
Encouraging students to become more physically active , to get more sleep , to drink water and eat healthy food is no easy feat , even if we tell them that doing so supports their bodies and brains . The brain uses about 20 % of the body ’ s energy expenditure and many of our students often appear to be running on mediocre fuel or fumes , obviously battling lethargy , moodiness and sleepiness in our classrooms . Our brain cells need a constant supply of premium grade fuel - oxygen and glucose . When the task is more challenging , greater glucose is consumed , so raw or dried fruit is a healthy option . Adequate water , but not the “ 8 glasses a day ” myth , provides lung moisture that supports efficient oxygen transport into the blood stream . Apparently , only 2 % dehydration leads to reducing cognition . Like the simplest of short exercise regimens that people often avoid , we should not quit before we begin .
So how can we make students aware that proper body maintenance is also a part of learning ? Teachers , as awareness raisers , can provide interesting video links , worksheet activities and brief CLIL ( Content and Language Integrated Learning ) snippets . Also , basic informal classroom surveys can reveal our students ’ lifestyle choice patterns and hopefully influence health-oriented lifelong learning .
Comfy chairs and sofas are not your friends .
Before moving on to active classroom ideas , could there be another type of specific physical activity equally important for teachers and learners to be aware of ? Let ’ s first consider the all-important combination of attention spans – 10-20 minutes depending on age – in light of recommended regular intermittent movement about every 20 minutes . ( You may want to stand as you read this if you are currently sitting down ). Contrary to popular belief , even regular exercise 3-4 times a week does not counter the harmful effects of prolonged sitting , typical in our modern lifestyles . Essentially it depends on how actively you spend the remainder of your waking hours before or after your short bout of exercise . It ’ s possible you may even feel more hungry than usual after going to the gym and eat more and gain weight . After all , historically , we used to sit only to rest , eat , fuel our bodies and support our muscles for continuous motion . Now we mostly sit , often overeat , occasionally exercise and start gasping on only the third flight of stairs . When energy expenditure is minimal , a greater likelihood of metabolic diseases occurs , fatigue-related calorie consumption increases , surplus fuel becomes fat , blood flow and oxygen to the brain decrease , brain activity and alertness suffer , and we increase the risk of premature death . Lifts , escalators , comfy chairs and sofas are not your close friends , so distance yourself from them until in need . That is why some people are opting for walking meetings , using slow-paced treadmill desks and standing desks – Marc
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