During school holidays, children tend to lead less active lives and consume more unhealthy food, leading to increased risks of obesity and poor health outcomes, according to research from the University of South Australia.
The study, which assessed responses from 358 primary school students spanning Grades 4 and 5, found children are likely to be twelve minutes less active each day and seven times more likely to engage with screens. On holidays, these young Australians spend over four hours on average using screens, which is 39 percent more than when they are attending school.
Dr. Amanda Watson of UniSA highlights the importance of maintaining physical activity and good nutrition during school breaks. She noted, “Our study shows during school holidays, children are more likely to display unhealthy behaviors, such as being less active, spending more time sitting, eating more junk food, and (perhaps unsurprisingly) watching a whole lot more TV or screens.”
Watson stressed the significance of structured activities during the holidays, advocating for planned lunch and snack breaks combined with limited screen time to promote healthier behaviors. “If we add more structure to children’s days,” she explained, “we could encourage healthier behaviors to benefit them now and in the future.” This approach is particularly relevant as one in four children face challenges with weight, leading to detrimental effects on their overall wellbeing and learning capabilities.
Senior researcher Professor Carol Maher emphasized the need for parents to be vigilant about screen time, particularly at home. She warned, “Managing screen time is a challenge for many parents, and not only in the holidays. Being inactive for extended periods, either watching TV or playing games, is not good for anyone’s health, not the least for children.”
Shifting to the winter season, initiatives from Sport Powys are encouraging local residents to stay active during the colder months. With the nights growing darker, many find it tempting to hibernate indoors. Yet, as highlighted by Sport Powys, physical activity not only boosts physical health but also supports mental health by releasing endorphins—those feel-good hormones.
Sport Powys encourages participation through various activities hopefuls can explore listed on the Let’s Go Powys/Amdani Powys website. From Tai Chi sessions aiming to improve balance and coordination to engaging pickleball opportunities—described as blending tennis, badminton, and table tennis—the options are abundant. Indoor sports are particularly well-suited for the winter months, ensuring safety and comfort.
For those inspired by popular shows like Strictly Come Dancing, community dance classes at venues such as Caersws Village Hall provide fun alternatives to traditional workouts. Offering sessions for both beginners and intermediates, these events require no prior experience and aim to bring joy to physical activity.
Yoga classes also present excellent opportunities to sharpen balance, flexibility, and coordination during the winter. Strenuous outdoor pursuits are still possible for enthusiasts, with local organizations offering training to safely explore Powys' magnificent mountain ranges.
For new parents, fitness options like Sweaty Mama, offering sessions for mothers with their infants, help tackle the challenge of fitting exercise around childcare demands. This program combines fitness with social interaction, creating supportive communities of parents.
All these approaches not only serve the individual's health but also promote community bonding and combat feelings of isolation. Initiatives such as the Phil Price Rally School provide unique experiences for those yearning for adventure, incorporating physical activity with driving techniques.
During the winter months, local bowling clubs and fitness courses targeted at older demographics also encourage participation. Strength, Balance, and Flex programs by trainers, such as Nina from Future Family Fitness, cater to those over 55, shattering stereotypes about aging and fitness levels.
When it becomes tempting to remain indoors, both children during school holidays and adults throughout winter can find engaging structured activities. Whether through skies of Tai Chi, hitting the dance floor, or exploring vibrant outdoor landscapes, the benefits of remaining active are clear: improved physical and mental health, contained within community efforts encouraging positive habits.
