Quite lately, topics about mental health flood radios, TV stations, newspapers, and the online world. It may be the effect of celebrities coming clean about their past mental problems kept long hidden to the public. Many people also question if modern living causes this epidemic. Is it? The truth is, the world’s social media that influence almost all people is the real culprit for this issue. Mental health issues were not a big concern fifty years ago compared to the present times.
Many health groups advocate various remedies that can help fight out the threats of mental issues. One of these is a longtime love of everybody — sports. Even a small child can tell that playing any sports is beneficial to one’s physical health. Little do people know that it also brings mental health benefits and it may not be too obvious.
Sports and other physical activities play a prominent role in promoting and sustaining good mental health. The brain releases certain chemicals that control one’s mood every time we are engaged in a specific sport. It will be a useful tool in combating issues such as depression and anxiety. Also, group sport that requires the participation of a large number of people dramatically promotes mental health as it improves interaction with others, very essential for a healthy mind and outlook.
Let us look at some of the mental health benefits team sports may bring.
It Improves Mood
“There are many examples of physical activity that range in levels of intensity from light to vigorous. Maintaining your physical health can include yoga, bike riding, jumping rope, engaging in sports, running, walking, jogging, skiing, dancing, tennis, and gardening.” Marjie L. Roddick, MA, NCC, LMHC, said. The release of endorphins during a vigorous activity makes everyone happy and more stress-free as well. This will explain why many men chose to play basketball with their peers instead of just staying at home. It also gives a chance for an individual to slow down and participate in a satisfying competition that improves one’s fitness. Connecting with teammates during play provides social benefits and enhances the use of one’s mood to suit the group.
Helps In Taking Feedbacks
Team sports are a team effort so it cannot be denied that it requires constructive feedback from each other. A person may learn to accept constructive criticism from his coach and fellow teammates, and this is important in his future endeavor. To improve in a sport, an individual must be teachable and receptive to accept mistakes. The informal setting of team sports means that everyone can be open. “Just like our feelings give us information about our needs, so do our bodies through physiological feedback,” says Eliza Chamblin, LCSW.
Improves Sleep
According to Julia Hogan, LCPC, “The amount of sleep you get and the quality of that sleep can actually affect your physical and mental health in ways you don’t anticipate.” Like other sports, team sports enhance sleep by helping an individual fall asleep more relaxed and more in-depth. Healthy sleep improves one’s mental attitude the next day which also improves the mood. It is not suggested to engage in sports late in the day because it may leave one too energized to sleep.
Boosts Self-Confidence
If a person feels his importance in a team, it will improve his self-esteem and boost his confidence. As skills, strength, and stamina improve in playing sports, one’s perception of his self-image improves as well. Through the revamped strength and endurance as a result of playing games, he may be more likely to succeed on it and in tasks off the playing field.
Improves Leadership Skills
Leadership traits are enhanced in team sports like basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Team players are naturally adapted to a “team mindset” in the game and apply this in the workplace, and in social situations. It will all lead to robust leadership qualities over time.
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