The Key to a Better Life by Brenna

The Key to a Better Life by Brenna - November 2021 Scholarship Essay

There are many courses offered in school, ranging from English, social studies, math, science, and more. Each class is structured to teach students valuable skills and lessons that are necessary to live in the adult world after graduation. Though all of these classes are important, no class teaches as valuable lessons as physical education. Physical education is not limited to your standard gym class in which students play games. It also includes courses such as weight training, and fitness and conditioning classes. Physical education teaches students lessons and values that will improve physical, mental, and social health.
Just as the name would suggest, physical education improves physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight… and reduce the risk of developing health conditions…” (“Physical Activity Facts”). These health conditions include, but are not limited to, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (“Physical Activity Facts”). Plus, physical activity “... improves various other aspects of health and fitness, including aerobic capacity… flexibility… and lipid profiles…” (Kohl). Physical education gives students an opportunity to boost their physical health, and encourages the continuation of physical exercise after school, creating fit and healthy adults.
Mental health is a major concern in society, due to the increase of mental illnesses affecting people. Physical education courses provide activities and exercises that “... reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression…” (“Physical Activity Facts”). Other benefits include improved focus, stress relief, less mental fatigue, and feeling less frustrated (“Physical Activity and Mental Health”). Few courses in schools focus specifically on mental health, and it is rarely addressed in the classroom. As a result, students are left with few opportunities to release the strong emotions consuming them, particularly since many students avoid counselors. Physical education classes allow students to perform activities that relieve the mental tension affecting them, and gives an opportunity to let out any emotions they’re feeling.
Social health is a necessary component of life in order to function in daily interactions with people. In physical education, “... children can… learn how to solve problems and to communicate and work as a team, which are skills they will also need in daily life, for example, at home or at work” (Opstoel et al.). Researchers at the University of Michigan conducted studies that measured middle school students’ leadership and empathy based on physiological data, diet, and exercise. “Middle school children who scored highest in leadership skills were more physically active… These children were also apt to show high scores in empathy” (Nauert). Participating in physical activities that require teamwork teaches children how to interact and delegate with others, assume leadership roles, respect others, and accept responsibility.
Few classes are able to emphasize physical, mental, and social health like physical education courses do. Through class participation, students improve their health, and learn skills that will help them live in the adult world. Physical education lacks the acknowledgment and respect that I believe it deserves.

Works Cited
Kohl, Harold W.,. “Physical Activity and Physical Education: Relationship to Growth,
Development, and Health.” Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Oct. 2013, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK201497/. Date accessed November 4, 2021.
Nauert, Rick. “Physical Activity Helps Improve Social Skills.” Psych Central, Psych Central, 15
Mar. 2018, psychcentral.com/news/2018/03/15/physical-activity-helps-improve-social-skills. Date accessed November 3, 2021.
Opstoel, Katrijn et al. “Personal and Social Development in Physical Education and Sports: A
Review Study.” SAGE Journals, journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1356336X19882054. Date accessed November3, 2021
“Physical Activity Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 21 Apr. 2020, www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/facts.htm. Date accessed November 2, 2021.
“Physical Activity and Mental Health.” Mental Health Foundation, 13 Sept. 2021,
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/p/physical-activity-and-mental-health. Date accessed November 4, 2021.