Physical Wellbeing

Physical wellbeing covers a wide area of activity that contributes to your physical health including nutrition, physical activity, preventative health care, reproductive health, and substance abuse. Individuals have their personal health requirements, but general recommendations about nutrition and physical activity can apply to all of us.

Aiming to keep yourself fit and nutritionally well will be the goal of this module's focus on physical wellbeing.

Prompt

Visit the following website and read about the importance of physical activity for your wellbeing:

http://www.ukkinstituutti.fi/en/products-services/physical_activity_pie

Keep a record of your weekly activity for two to four weeks to see how you are maintaining your physical wellbeing.

Reading

Ergler, C., Kearns, R., & Witten, K. (2013). Seasonal and locational variations in children’s play: Implications for wellbeing, Social Science & Medicine, 91, 178-185.

Download Reading

This paper offers new insights into the complexities of play as a vital aspect of children’s wellbeing. Within the context of New Zealand - whose citizens generally regard themselves as outdoor people - this paper explores why ‘play’ might resonate differently across localities and seasons. This investigation revealed that different environments need to be ‘read’ socially. It showed that even in an environment in which children enjoy independent outdoor play and detect affordances, it may not fit their habitus all year around. Rather, it is important to understand the values (‘accomplishments’ in Bourdieu’s words) that families see in outdoor play in different seasons and locations that make it attractive for all children to independently participate in healthy levels of activities. Participation in play can potentially and positively impact on their environmental literacy and overall wellbeing.

Activity

Keep your activity record going and see where you can make small improvements in your physical activity. If interested, share your activity record with a colleague to see if they can offer ideas and encouragement.

Community

After viewing the website above, go to the Community Forum and join the discussion. Respond to the following prompts:

• Question #1. What are some great ways to be active?
• Question #2. How do you maintain an active lifestyle when you have so many other demands on your time?
• Question #3. How do you find a balance between all of the things you are supposed to do to stay healthy?

Please sign in first to post a response.