Growing Minds Need Moving Bodies: Why Movement Matters for Children’s Emotional and Brain Development

How stretching, play, and physical activity support brain development, emotional regulation, and mental health from early childhood through adolescence.

Childhood Growth Is More Than Physical

Childhood is a time of extraordinary growth—not only physically, but emotionally, socially, and neurologically. From the moment a child begins to crawl and explore their environment, movement becomes one of the primary ways they learn about the world and themselves.

Stretching, exercise, and physical play are not simply outlets for energy; they are essential building blocks for healthy brain development, emotional regulation, and overall mental well-being from infancy through young adulthood.

Movement Builds the Brain

Movement plays a critical role in how the developing brain forms and strengthens connections. Physical activity increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, helping it function more efficiently. It also stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth and survival of neurons and helps the brain form new pathways for learning.

When children engage in activities that involve coordination, balance, and crossing the midline of the body—such as crawling, climbing, reaching, or stretching—they strengthen communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.

This integration supports skills such as:

• Problem-solving

• Attention and focus

• Processing and retaining information

For young children especially, movement is not separate from learning; it is one of the primary ways learning occurs.

Movement Helps Children Regulate Emotions

Beyond its impact on cognition, movement is deeply connected to emotional regulation. Physical activity naturally helps the body manage stress and regulate mood.

When children move, their bodies release endorphins and serotonin—chemicals that improve mood and promote feelings of well-being. At the same time, exercise helps reduce levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress.

For children who experience frustration, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions, movement can provide a healthy outlet for releasing tension and restoring balance.

Activities like:

• Running

• Stretching

• Climbing

• Gentle movement paired with calming breathing

can help reset the nervous system and support a child’s ability to regain emotional control.

Movement Improves Focus and Learning

Movement also prepares the brain for learning and attention. Research consistently shows that children who engage in regular physical activity demonstrate improved:

• Focus

• Memory

• Executive functioning

Executive functioning includes higher-level thinking skills such as planning, impulse control, organization, and the ability to shift attention when needed.

In school settings, short movement breaks often lead to improved engagement and readiness to learn. When the body is active, the brain becomes more alert and better able to absorb and process information.

Building Body Awareness and Confidence

Another important benefit of movement is the development of body awareness and confidence.

Through stretching, balancing, and coordinated physical activities, children begin to understand how their bodies move and function in space. This awareness—often referred to as proprioception—helps children control their movements, maintain posture, and navigate their environment safely.

As children gain strength, coordination, and control, they often develop a stronger sense of confidence in their physical abilities. This confidence can influence their willingness to:

• Try new activities

• Participate in sports or play

• Engage socially with peers

Supporting Sensory Development

Movement also plays an important role in organizing the sensory systems that help children interpret and respond to the world around them.

Activities that involve:

• Jumping

• Climbing

• Pushing and pulling

• Stretching

provide valuable input to the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, which help regulate balance, body position, and movement.

For many children—particularly those with sensory processing differences, attention challenges, or developmental delays—physical activity can help calm the nervous system and improve their ability to stay focused and regulated.

In this way, movement becomes a powerful tool for supporting both physical and emotional stability.

Movement and Mental Health in Adolescence

As children grow into adolescence and young adulthood, the mental health benefits of movement become even more significant.

Regular physical activity has been shown to:

• Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

• Improve self-esteem

• Boost overall mood

Exercise also promotes better sleep, which is essential for emotional resilience and cognitive functioning.

For teenagers navigating academic pressures, social challenges, and rapid developmental changes, movement can serve as an important coping strategy that supports both mental clarity and emotional balance.

Movement Supports Social Development

Movement also fosters social development. Many physical activities involve interaction with others, whether through cooperative play, sports, or group classes.

These experiences help children practice important life skills such as:

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Turn-taking

• Problem-solving

Participating in shared physical activities can build friendships, strengthen peer relationships, and increase a child’s sense of belonging.

A Foundation for Lifelong Health

Perhaps most importantly, developing a positive relationship with movement during childhood lays the foundation for lifelong health.

When children learn to enjoy physical activity early in life, they are more likely to remain active as adults. Regular movement becomes not just a form of exercise, but a reliable way to:

• Manage stress

• Maintain mental health

• Support overall well-being

The Connection Between Body and Mind

In many ways, movement is the bridge between the body and the mind. It shapes how children learn, how they regulate their emotions, and how they develop confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Encouraging children and adolescents to move, stretch, and engage their bodies is not simply about promoting fitness—it is about nurturing healthy development in every aspect of their lives.

Support Your Child’s Growth Through Movement

Movement is one of the most powerful tools we have to support children’s development. By encouraging stretching, active play, and physical exploration, we help children strengthen their brains, regulate their emotions, and build lifelong confidence.

If you’d like to learn more about ways to support your child’s development through movement, explore our programs designed to help children grow strong—both physically and emotionally.