An Essay Submission; Tell me your thoughts

I think it's important for young people to get active because activity sets the tone for one's entire life. Whenever someone exercises, it is proven that one's mood improves and stress levels decrease. This is due to the beta endorphins being released. In addition, many people suffer from depression and other mental disorders. Being exposed to fresh air and sunshine would immediately benefit one's mental health, as opposed to inactivity.

As most people realize, exercise greatly affects physical health, too. Obesity is a widespread problem in America: one out of every three children is overweight or obese. Of course, healthy eating is a significant factor, but exercise is significant, too, if not more so. To at least maintain one's weight, a person should burn as many calories as they consume. How can he or she do so while lounging on the couch, or staring at a television? It is impossible! By decreasing risks of obesity, one also decreases risks of other health complications, such as heart disease and diabetes. So, it is reasonable to believe exercise promotes a longer-lasting life.

If a person decides to exercise too close to bedtime, then he or she will probably find themselves wide awake. Otherwise, exercise has been proven to aid sleep. Doctors recommend teenagers get about eight hours of sleep. As a teenager, though, I can say an eight hour sleep for most of us is a dream. Perhaps it correlates with our lack of activity, our desire to be lethargic. In addition, people accuse America of being “over-medicated”, prescribing unnecessary amounts of medication. Would we be able to reduce sleep medication if everyone just exercised a little more?

In 2013, students failed to achieve academics within the global twenty. Considering international competition, this fact is embarrassing, if not terrifying. Our history includes being the leader of every field, of every aspect. What does this mean for the future of the eagle? Frantic, political leaders demand more and more standardized tests. They practically drill us with exams, and if those fail, we have these exotic new methods to learn. With all due respect, I doubt there is more than one way to add one plus one.

But maybe we are digging too deep, trying too hard. Maybe the solution is much more simple, much less expensive and time-consuming.

I have noticed within my school that those who perform in sports generally receive better grades than those who don't. This doesn't exactly make sense, considering the little free time they are given. Exercise, however, has been said to improve concentration and dedication. One's loyalty to a team connects to one's loyalty to his studies. This is not to mention the brain stimulation during activity.

Before you try that new fad diet or sleeping pills or question your mental health, go for a nice walk around the park. It may help more than you think.