Exercise and Mental Health
Learning Intentions
- Students should learn the link between being physically active and
maintaining mental health.
Success criteria
- I am able to identify and list various physical activities to use at home.
- I am able to plan for increasing my physical activity levels for improved
mental health
Activities to be completed
- Navigate to the links provided on the worksheet (better health)
- Answer the reflective questions 1-5 on worksheet
- Submit word document via Compass Learning tasks
- Optional, complete the home work out challenge box
Go to the following links on the Better Health Victoria website. After reading through the
information, answer the following questions:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/exercise-and-mental-health
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/exercise-and-mood
1. List 5 of the benefits that physical activity can
have on the body and mind.

The levels of chemicals in the
brain, such as serotonin, stress
hormones and endorphins, change
when you exercise.

Regular exercise can help you sleep
better.


Exercise can distract you from
negative thoughts and provide
opportunities to try new
experiences.
Exercise increases your energy
levels.

2. How much exercise do the experts say can have a positive impact on your mental health
(minutes per day etc)?
2.5hours to 5 hours of moderate exercise or 1.25-2.5hours of vigorous exercise a week
3. What are some tips to help you get started on incorporating more physical activity in your
life?
Choose an activity that suits the level od your fitness
4. What are some of the benefits of exercising outdoors? Is this something you can easily do at
your own home? Why/why not.
Exercise longer and exercise again
5. Bonus questions: List 2-3 physical activities, exercises or workouts you personally could start
doing at home with minimal time, space and equipment?
Sit up
Push ups
Planks
Squats
Nutrition and Mental Health
What you put in your body can make major impacts on your wellbeing and how you are feeling
mentally and emotionally. Your mood can also affect your food choices, so it is a bit of a continuous
cycle! (Instructional) 5 mins
Watch this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSHO9VdVRfg
Answer the following questions: (Interdependent) 10 mins
Q1. Identify 5 foods teenagers can include in their diet to improve mood.
Oily fish
Chicken
Avocados
Eggs
Walnuts and almonds
Q2. Identify 5 foods to avoid excess consumption of.
Alcohol
Sugar foods
Caffein
Unhealthy fatty food
Chocolate
Q3. Find a healthy recipe online that includes the good mood foods.
www.bing.com/search?q=chicken+recipie+with+wallnuts&filters=sid%3A%22a6dc4a
249abf2605b6302718fbbbc9fe%22+segment%3A%22generic.carousel%22+secq%3
A%22chicken+recipie+with+wallnuts%22+supwlcar%3A%221%22+tsource%3A%22
EntitySegments%22+catesegtype%3A%22recipe%22+segtype%3A%22UmVjaXBlL
FJlY2lwZQ%3D%3D%22+mltype%3A%220%22+ctype%3A%220%22+eltypedim1%
3A%22Recipe%22&shtp=GetUrl&shid=44810fef-53be-486b-b0a2f32cff0c356f&shtk=RGljZWQgQ2hpY2tlbiB3aXRoIFdhbG51dHM%3D&shdk=RGljZ
WQgQ2hpY2tlbiB3aXRoIFdhbG51dHM%3D&shhk=H6fubWXN53943l9xdAesfZh0M
7yQyv%2FX8R%2BSU3pT8nE%3D&form=EX0023&shth=AMMS_fe38ddb3173d487
db6f82f438c02b7e4
Evaluate:
What is one thing you have learnt today?
Chicken and walnuts are good for you
What is one way you can promote your mental health?
Eat healthy and exercise more