Sporting News - Physical and Mental Health
Back to Latest News
Sporting News
As we find ourselves midway through the Spring Term, some of us might be struggling to maintain our concentration and positivity. It is important to remember that even when we are battling to push through, that there is always someone who is willing to listen and help us. Even then, keeping our bodies and minds active is also a good way to clear our thoughts of any negativity.
In this issue we will be taking a deep dive into our P.E lessons, healthy lunches and top tips on keeping active, both mentally and physically. Keep reading for an exclusive interview with our P.E coach, Mr Juson.
Physical Education at Maylands
We learn about a lot of different sports, that some schools may not have the opportunity to experience. From tag rugby, to rounders and tennis, we are exposed to a wide variety of team and individual sports. P.E encourages children’s physical activity and improves health and fitness. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease, insomnia and depression. P.E also sets children up with good habits in their early stages of life. It helps learners with social skills such as clear communication, collaboration and teaches respect as well.
In P.E, children are taught to think on their feet, make decisions and work through conflict. It is an excellent source of stress relief as well and a good outlet for those who may struggle in the classroom.
We are taught that working together to achieve a goal is only possible if everyone plays their part and works together.
School Lunches
At Maylands, learners are all provided with a hot lunch to keep them going for the day. Our school lunches are filled with healthy vegetables as well as a main dish of either meat or vegetarian foods and carbohydrates. Every day we indulge in a delicious variety of mixed salads to accompany our main meal. We are fortunate to have options for those learners with certain dietary requirements, such as gluten, dairy and egg. It is important to us, that all children maintain a well-balanced diet and have enough fuel to see them through the school day. Children have freshly buttered bagels to help them in the morning, along with the option of a cup of milk. A snack is provided, which is usually a fruit or vegetable, which helps keep us alert and on task.
We have certain themed lunches that celebrate different holidays or occasions from around the world. World Book Day, Census Day and World Circus Day are just a few of the lunches that we have to look forward to.
Physical and Mental Health
Mental and physical health refers to the interconnected state of our minds and bodies, where a healthy mind contributes to a healthy body and vice versa. Essentially, it means taking care of both your psychological well-being and your physical health as they significantly impact each other. One can lead to the other and if one is negative, chances are, the other is negative as well.
It is important to remember to talk to someone if you ever feel overwhelmed or anxious about something.
When we stress or become anxious about something, it can affect our mental health. This can be because of something at school or at home. To help, we have come up with some tips on keeping mentally and physically healthy.
Lucas’ top tips for your physical health:
- Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
- Stay hydrated! Keep refilling those water bottles!
- Ensure you have a well-balanced diet. Fast food can be very tempting, but make sure you eat some of those vegetables!
- Get moving! Stay active regularly to get your blood pumping. Even if it is only for fifteen minutes, get up and get going!
- Regular check-ups with your GP can help stay ahead of any issues that may occur in the future.
Florence’s top tips for your mental health:
- When you are feeling stressed about something, take the time to relax your mind by either picturing your favourite place or singing your favourite song. It doesn’t have to be for long, just enough for you to take some deep breathes.
- Talking to someone about your worries is a good way to relieve some of that stress. A trusted adult or friend will gladly lend you an ear.
- Yoga and Pilates are effective ways to regulate your breathing, which helps calm your mind.
- Have a rest day. Read a book, lie on the sofa, just relax and enjoy some ‘me time’ at home.
- Indulging in your favourite activity is a good way to distress. Go for a walk, watch a film, play a game or bake. Whatever you enjoy doing, do it with a smile.
Interview
We are fortunate enough to have a fantastic sports coach who has taught us many different skills. We spent a bit of time with Mr Juson, really getting to know what he thinks about P.E.
When exercising, what is your biggest motivations?
“When I was younger it was more about fitness, keeping fit and healthy. But now that I’m a bit older it’s probably more mentally as well. It makes me feel so much better once I’ve done some exercise. It puts me in a better mood whether I’m at work or at home.”
What different sports would you like to introduce in the future?
“I like to keep current, so I try and keep the curriculum updated. So I’ve included handball, because it’s in the Olympics a few years ago. I would like to bring in some acro gymnastics. A lot of schools are doing it and I think it would be good. I would also like to introduce golf and its technique.”
What is an exercise everyone can do to stay fit?
“I would say walking, a nice brisk walk. That’s an easy form of exercise. Swimming, definitely as well, if you can get to a pool.”
What would you say your major goals are for physical education?
“To make sure all of you keep doing your sports, and if I can give a brief introduction to every sport you do so when you go to secondary school you know the basic rules of how to play the games and then you can choose which sports you want to get involved in. With regards to the sports side of things, knowing the rules of a game can bring people together. If you’re out in the park, playing a game that you know with other, it is a good opportunity to socialise.”
Thank you to Mr Juson for allowing us the time to interview you during your busy day.
Thank you, to all the readers for taking the time to read our blog, we appreciate the support.
Let us know what you would like us to write about in our next blog. Keep a lookout for our suggestion box and pop in your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from you.
Have a lovely Half Term Break and remember you are worthy more than what your mind keeps telling you.
Written by Lucas and Florence.



