6 MENTAL BENEFITS OF SPORTING ACTIVITIES

 

1. SPORT IMPROVES YOUR MOOD

Want a burst of happiness and relaxation? Get involved in a physical activity Sports and exercise stimulate the production of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters and brain chemicals such as endorphins, allowing you to feel better with an overall better mood. So whenever you are feeling somewhat low and need a boost, try having a short run or having a game with friends in the court.

 

2. SPORTS IMPROVE YOUR CONCENTRATION

Regular physical activity helps keep your key mental skills sharp as you age. This includes critical thinking, learning, and using good judgment. Which could also come in handy at work. Research has shown that doing a mix of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities is very helpful. Indulging in this three to five times a week for at least 30 minutes can provide these mental health benefits.

3. SPORT REDUCES STRESS AND DEPRESSION

When you are physically active, your mind is usually distracted from daily stress. This physical activity can help take out those negative thoughts and give you the positive vibes you need. Exercise reduces the levels of stress hormones in your body. A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that depressed people who participated in structured sporting activities for 4 months were more likely to report no depressive symptoms, than others who were subjected to taking pills for depression or who used both medicine and exercise.

Sometimes, more sporting activities, fewer medicines.

So whenever you feel down and you are on the low side, put on your trainers and go for a run.

4.  SPORTS IMPROVE SLEEP HABITS

Sports activity improve the quality of sleep. They do this by helping you fall asleep faster and soundly. Sleeping better can improve your mental outlook the next day, as well as improve your mood and just make you feel so great about yourself. More so, be careful not to engage in sports later in the day. Evening practices within a few hours to bedtime can leave you too energized to sleep.

5. SPORTS BOOST YOUR SELF CONFIDENCE

The regular exercise that comes with playing sports often boosts your confidence and improve your self-esteem. As your strength, skills, and stamina increase through playing sports, your self-image will improve as well. With the vigor and energy that comes from physical activity, you may be more likely to succeed in tasks given to you as a result of the boost in your self-confidence.

6. SPORTS HAVE BEEN LINKED TO LEADERSHIP TRAITS

Team sports such as football, basketball amongst others are breeding grounds for leadership traits. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between sports participation and leadership qualities. Because of the opportunity to train, try, win, or lose together, people involved in sports are naturally more inclined to adopt a “team mindset” in the workplace and in social functions. The team mindset leads to strong leadership qualities over time which is very beneficial to us mentally.