Healthy Habits Impact

National Curriculum Links

This lesson supports the following key stage 3 (Year 9) PSHE education statutory framework goals in England, focusing on physical health and mental wellbeing:

• Health and Wellbeing: Pupils should know the benefits of physical activity and healthy eating on physical and mental health.
• Living in the Wider World: Understanding how choices impact wellbeing and learning to reflect on personal behaviour.
• Key Competencies: Developing self-awareness, critical thinking, and reflection to manage health and wellbeing.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise for physical and brain health.
2. Identify examples of healthy foods and physical activities suitable for their age group.
3. Understand how diet and exercise positively influence mood, concentration, and overall wellbeing.
4. Create a simple meal and activity diary reflecting health choices linked to brain function.
5. Reflect on how small changes in lifestyle can improve mental alertness and emotional state.

Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers or interactive screen
• Printed or digital copy of Meal and Activity Diary template
• Pens or pencils
• Images or flashcards showing healthy foods and exercises (optional)

Lesson Structure (2 Minutes)

1. Quick Introduction (30 seconds)

• Start with a question: “Can anyone tell me why we need to eat healthily and exercise?” Collect a couple of quick answers.
• Briefly explain: “Eating well and moving our bodies don’t just keep us fit; they help our brains work better, improving mood and focus.”

2. Examples of Healthy Eating and Exercise (30 seconds)

• Show or mention examples:
• Healthy foods: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins like chicken or beans, nuts.
• Exercises: walking, cycling, swimming, team sports, yoga.
• Emphasise variety and balance.

3. Brain and Wellbeing Benefits (30 seconds)

• Explain in simple terms:
• Nutrients from food fuel brain cells, helping us think clearly.
• Exercise boosts chemicals in the brain that lift mood and reduce stress.
• Highlight how these improve school focus and emotional wellbeing.

4. Mini Activity - Meal and Activity Diary (20 seconds)

• Hand out or display the diary template.
• Instruct students to note down what they eat and their physical activity for one day, focusing on choices supporting brain health.
• Example entry: “Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries (good brain food). Activity: 20-minute walk (helps mood).”

5. Reflection (10 seconds)

• Prompt: “Think about how these choices might help you feel happier and more focused.”
• Encourage quick sharing or jotting down one small change they could try.

Assessment and Follow-Up

• Collect diaries (optional) or ask students to keep them for a week to discuss in a later lesson.
• Use observed participation and reflections to assess understanding of link between diet, exercise, and wellbeing.
• Encourage integration into daily life for lasting impact.

This short, targeted session leverages reflection and personalisation to support National Curriculum expectations around physical and mental health, promoting lifelong healthy habits in an engaging and memorable way.