Sports have been around for thousands of years. The idea of an activity requiring physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment is universal and has reached all corners of the globe. In early human history, competitive sports were used as a way for people to do military training, and team sports as a way to learn how to work together as a unit.
In modern times, however, sports have become a favorite way for people to exercise and for recreation. The physical benefits of sports have long been heralded, but the mental benefits of playing sports cannot be understated. So let’s take a look at some of the mental benefits you can gain from playing sports.
Sports Improve Your Mood
The physical activity that comes from playing sports creates a chemical reaction in your brain that releases something called endorphins. Endorphins promote feelings of pleasure, and when they are released, you will feel happy and much more relaxed. This is why you feel so great after going for a swim or after Thanksgiving backyard football with the family.
Sports Improve Your Concentration
Playing sports involves critical thinking, concentration, and using good judgment. Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to sustain or even improve your brain’s processing speed. Thirty minutes of activity three to five times a week has been shown to affect concentration and overall mental health positively.
Sports Decrease Stress And Lessen Feelings of Depression
Exercise lowers stress hormones like cortisol and gives your mind a break from daily stresses. It also releases endorphins, like we mentioned above, which will make you happy and not have the adverse side effects that things like drugs and alcohol have. This will leave you feeling relaxed and much less stressed.
Sports Improve Your Sleep Habits
The physical exertion from playing sports and other forms of exercise makes you feel tired, and the best form of recovery is sleep. As a result, you will fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. When you have a good night’s sleep, your mood and mental function for the next day is much better.
However, if you engage in sports too late in the day, it may cause you to feel too energized to sleep because of the adrenaline released while playing sports.
Sports Improve Your Self-Confidence
The goals that you set, work toward, and then accomplish while playing sports can help to boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. As you continue to improve at a sport, it will give you a sense of mastery and control that feels extremely rewarding and gives you a sense of pride. This will help promote a can-do attitude that will flow into other parts of your life.
Sports Improve Leadership Traits
Team sports’ environments are a great place to naturally develop leadership traits. Studies done with high school students show that those who participate in sports are more likely to display leadership qualities than those who don’t. People who play sports are also inclined to embrace a team mindset while in the workplace or in social situations.
Start Playing Sports Today
There are so many different sports to choose from so there is definitely one out there for you. Check out Sportztars, the app designed to guide you through the process of mastering your sport. Get out there, get active and receive the benefits!
