Teachers' Physical Activity and Mental Health

What do we know about physical activity?
We have been told in health campaigns since the 1990s that physically active people are more likely to have better quality lifestyles. People who exercise regularly reduce their chances of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. We are familiar with the concept that human beings are made to be active, and that there are appropriate levels of exercise that will keep up a level of fitness and health through different life stages.

Physical activity provides a range of benefits. It keeps us fit, strengthens muscles and bones, builds up aerobic capacity, increases flexibility and endurance, and reduces the incidence of some diseases. However, it is more challenging to find evidence that proves a direct relationship between exercise and how it contributes to mental health and wellbeing.

Adding to the reasons for participating in physical activity
One UK study reviewed the limited contemporary research into the relationship between physical activity and mental health and proposed that there are complex reasons for why people engage in physical activity. These are biochemical, physiological and psychological (Crone et al., 2006). Biochemical evidence reveals the increase in the levels of endorphins (or feel-good hormones) experienced by athletes who complete rigorous exercise such as a marathon. The physiological evidence is shown by the development of strength in the body.
The psychological is perhaps the most interesting of these reasons for engaging in physical health for teachers maintains positive mental health and wellbeing. The study looked at the following psychological hypotheses for people who participate in planned physical activity and gain mental health benefits in the process.
1.    Distraction - engaging in exercise can assist us to take time away from our daily life.
2.    Self-efficacy - successfully engaging in exercise can increase our self-confidence and capacity to manage circumstances in our lives.
3.    Mastery - meeting the challenge of engaging in robust exercise can enhance a sense of control and independence.
4.    Social interaction - engaging in exercise with other people can provide support and wellbeing through companionship with others.

There was no distinct conclusion about which of the hypotheses was most useful in understanding the relationship between physical activity and mental health. However, the study brought together a body of research that asserted that the process of exercising has more influence in achieving positive results for mental health than the actual exercise itself.

Links between physical activity and mental health and wellbeing
Professor Stuart Biddle, an academic who specialises in motivation and exercise and leads the International Society for Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, writes that exercise has a significant positive impact on individuals in relation to:

anxiety
depression
mood and emotion
self-esteem
cognitive functioning
psychological dysfunction.

From values to action
While we hear about the benefits of regular physical activity, the knowledge may not be enough to develop the habit when we have a heavy workload. The degree to which we participate in physical activity has a lot to do with how much we value it in our lives. We may have to change some beliefs that we have about physical activity (and our working schedule) in order to integrate it into our lives on a regular basis, and enjoy it.

It is not possible for everyone to see herself or himself as an athlete who can reach peak standards through rigorous programs such as training for a marathon or spending hours at the gym. Yet if we think about it and acknowledge the range of benefits, including mental health and wellbeing, we might see ways we can take steps to begin building physical activity into our lives. This could be seen as a way to invest in our physical and mental health and wellbeing now, and for the future. Organisations such as the Heart Foundation say that one of the easiest ways is to begin is to set easily achievable goals such as ten-minute sessions that build up to 30 minutes in a day.

What can we do in schools?
A challenge for teachers is to combine physical health and wellbeing with the demands of a busy workplace. Is there a culture of health and wellbeing in your school that includes a focus on physical activity? It may be possible to integrate some physical activity into your daily life. Getting outside offers a break from the need to be alert in the classroom, to engage in social interactions or sit in front of a computer. And it also provides the opportunity to catch some sunlight that provides the body with Vitamin D to keep bones healthy and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. We may be able to call yard duty ‘sunlight duty’.

Fortunately, there are opportunities for teachers to be physically active during the school day. It is relatively easy to walk a couple of kilometres just by moving between classrooms and doing yard supervision. This kind of physical activity can also be a protective factor against stress because it gives us space between interactions in the classroom and the constant need for mental alertness. Walking further during the day at lunchtime or after school might be easier than embarking on a grand program that could be difficult to maintain. Wearing a pedometer is a great incentive for measuring daily walking around the school.

More flexible timetabling in schools could provide opportunities for more physical activity. Teachers who work in a supportive environment that places value on movement, exercise and social interaction may be motivated to initiate a physical activity group with colleagues. Recognition of the connection between physical health and mental health and wellbeing can encourage all members of staff to become active participants in a health-focused school community.

It seems that many of the positive effects of exercise don’t come from pushing ourselves to the edge of our capacity. For most of us, the benefits of a regular program of physical activity also come from setting and meeting realistic goals, which then results in a feeling of achievement. That's a positive statement about emotional health and wellbeing!

Comment
One of the key messages of the Staff Matters model is that teachers are responsible for their own mental health and wellbeing. One approach to achieving positive mental health and wellbeing is to develop protective factors. Undertaking regular physical activity is a great example.

References
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing website. Viewed on 2 April 2009:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-active-index.htm

Biddle, S. (2000) cited in Centre for Confidence paper on wellbeing and exercise. Viewed on 15 April 2009 at:
http://www.centreforconfidence.co.uk/pp/overview.php?p=c2lkPTMmdGlkPTAmaWQ9MTQ4

Mental Health Council of Australia website: 'Be Active For Your Mental Health’. Viewed on 2 April 2009:
http://www.mhca.org.au/index.php?section=46