When
you think about the advantages of playing sports, your first thought is
probably that sports improve your physical fitness. But research shows
that participating in sports and exercise helps your mind as well as
your body. Here are some of the key mental benefits of sports:
Improve Mood
Want
a burst of happiness and relaxation? Involve in a physical activity.
Whether you are playing sports, working out at a gym, or taking a brisk
walk, physical activity stimulates brain chemicals that make you feel
happier and more relaxed. Team sports in particular provide a chance to
unwind and engage in a satisfying challenge that improves your fitness.
They also provide social benefits by allowing you to connect with
teammates and friends in a recreational setting.
Improve Concentration
Regular
physical activity helps keep your key mental skills sharp as you age,
including thinking, learning, and using good judgment. Research has
shown that doing a mix of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities,
which are common to most sports, three to five times a week for at least
30 minutes, can provide these mental health benefits.
Reduce Stress and Depression
When
you are physically active, your mind is distracted from daily
stressors, freeing you to think more creatively and avoid getting bogged
down in negative thought patterns. Exercise reduces the levels of
stress hormones in your body, such as adrenaline and cortisol. At the
same time, it stimulates production of endorphins, which are natural
mood lifters that can help keep stress and depression at bay. Endorphins
may even leave you feeling more relaxed and optimistic after a hard
workout on the sports field.
