NHS front line doctor and TV presenter Dr Ranj Singh is passionate about children’s mental health and is championing a new wellbeing initiative from the BBC, called Moodboosters.
Dr Ranj Singh shares how his love of dancing helps to boost his own mental wellbeing and how moving our bodies can play an important part in helping children to learn about and manage their feelings and emotions.
According to NHS research, the mental health of children and young people has worsened since 2017 as a result of the pandemic, with NHS Digital reporting in 2021 one in six children aged six to 16 were identified as having a probable mental health problem.
In February 2022, the findings of a poll of education professionals released by children’s mental health charity Place2Be and school leaders union NAHT found that those surveyed had seen an increased prevalence of mental health issues among pupils since the start of the academic year, including a huge increase in low self-esteem.
Dr Ranj encounters this regularly. He tells us: “Sadly, a significant number of children are struggling with their feelings and their mental health right now. I see that every day as a paediatrician on the front line.”
Why getting moving matters
Recent research has found links between physical activity and improved mental wellbeing. The Mental Health Foundation says that 'even a short burst of ten minutes of brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood.’
Dr Ranj explains: "Movement boosts physical health. It improves mobility and builds muscle strength. This means that the more we move, the more we can do, and that in itself makes us feel better about ourselves.
“Physical activity also has a direct positive effect on the brain and our mental health, through the release of endorphins (our ‘happy hormones’). If we do these activities with others then that has further benefits for our minds and helps improve social skills. Exercise also helps us to sleep better, which has huge benefits in itself for physical and mental health.”
It wasn’t until I did Strictly Come Dancing that I realised how important dancing is for me… it really boosts my mood… Dance has changed my life.”
Dr Ranj discovered this for himself when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. He said: “It wasn’t until I did Strictly Come Dancing that I realised how important dancing is for me. I found that it keeps me physically active and is a brilliant form of exercise (mainly because I have so much fun doing it that it doesn’t feel like exercise), but it also really boosts my mood. Dance has changed my life. I couldn’t live without it now."
“That’s why initiatives like Moodboosters are essential. Not only are they fun, they give children practical tools that they can do by themselves, with their teachers, friends or families to help them better cope with the world around them.”
On a rainy day in November, it may be difficult for both parents and teachers to get the kids out to the park or into the playground, but these wellbeing activities are fun and quick and can fit into the day without leaving the room.
Dr Ranj says: “The films explore everything from relaxation exercises and practicing gratitude, to boosting physical activity and imaginations. They aren’t just great tools for health and mental wellbeing, but also fantastic life skills that children can use in the future.”
The former Strictly star believes it’s encouraging how things have moved on since his own school days. He explains:
“Back then nobody ever spoke about mental health and wellbeing – I didn’t even know what it was! Now children and young people are not only more aware but they are actively interested in ways to look after it. I only wish I’d had that as a kid because it could have meant that I’d cope much better with some of the challenges I later encountered as an adult.”
For anyone embarking on moving their bodies to help with their mental wellbeing for the first time he has encouraging advice: “Stop worrying about ‘getting it right’ and just do something, no matter what your physical ability might be."
"Start small and build up from there slowly. Oh, and make sure you move any furniture and obstacles out of the way. We don’t want any injuries!”
Watch Dr Ranj in action in the Moodboosters videos:
Further information
To access more videos and activities go to bbc.co.uk/moodboosters.
For more information about mental health and wellbeing, check out the dedicated area on the NHS website.
BBC Action Line has details of organisations that can offer support.
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This article was written in November 2022.
About Moodboosters. video
Watch a short clip introducing Moodboosters and find out about some of the ways the fun activities can benefit primary school aged children.
Wave of Thanks. video
TV presenter and medical doctor Dr Ranj uses the gesture of waving to spread thanks throughout the class and beyond.
Space Dreamers. video
TV presenter and medical doctor Dr Ranj invites you on a space adventure, using dream-like visualisations alongside dynamic and slower mindful movements to encourage a feeling of calm.
