For a long time Sports has been viewed as a physical activity with an emphasis on fun and relaxation. However, Sports have now become much more than this. There are many psychological and physiological benefits to playing sports which make it a great way to stay healthy.
1. Mental Health Benefits of Sports
Playing sports releases pressure and tension in a safe and controlled manner and improves sleep patterns and levels of anxiety. It also helps to reduce the risk of a variety of diseases and health conditions.
2. Leadership Skills
Sport teams often need leaders to show the way and help develop new and younger team members. Developing leadership skills can be one of the best ways to boost self-esteem and learn the value of working together as a team.
3. Getting to Know Others Through Sport
Regular participation in sports can introduce you to people from different backgrounds, cultures and religions. This can lead to friendships and connections that would not be possible if you weren’t involved in sport.
4. Keeping Your Energy Levels High
When you participate in sports you need to ensure your energy levels are high by eating plenty of nutritious foods. This is particularly true when you’re doing intense exercise such as running or cycling.
5. Strengthening Muscles
Children and teens who play sports tend to have stronger muscles because they do specific types of exercise which promote the development of fast twitch muscle tissue, as well as slow twitch muscle tissue (National Academy of Sports Medicine).
6. Teaching Kids About Winning And Losing
There is no better way for young children to understand that winning and losing are part of life than through participating in sports. They can learn that it’s okay to celebrate and lean on others when they win, and be gracious when they lose, which can have a significant impact on their ability to develop social skills in later life.