Benefits of Engaging in Sports That You Must Know
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Sports
By Marquis Nikolaus
September 20, 2021
A recent study found that two-thirds of high school students suffer from mental health issues around the world. With such numbers, it is important to keep students engaged with activities outside of the classroom. One such activity is sports, which offer many benefits for people suffering from mental health problems.
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Research has looked at how sports can benefit those struggling with depression and anxiety disorders as well as those who just want to improve their overall mood and reduce stress levels. Here are some of the ways engaging in sports can improve a student’s mental health.
Replenishes mental energy
With all the stresses of school, many students are low in physical energy. The body needs exercise to get its “rest and move” movement system working. Playing different games freshens up the minds of students and replenishes their mental energy.
Students who play sports regularly are more likely to have healthy eating habits. In addition, it also helps to avoid developing conditions like obesity at an early age and saves people from problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and even cancer later in their lives.
Increases comfort in a stressful environment
Exercise can help people deal with anxiety or depression by adding a sense of accomplishment in stressful situations. It is well known that sports provide this for everyone from professional athletes to recreational players because it gives them a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
Sports can also help students deal with stress by giving them a sense of achievement and rewards like the feeling of winning the game.
Boosts Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Sports provide students with an opportunity to build physical strength through activities such as resistance training, weight training, and cardiovascular exercise (aerobic and anaerobic exercise). Students who participate in sports regularly develop muscle mass at a faster rate than non-athletes.
This also helps people maintain strong bones and increases bone density, which can help reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. Moreover, being physically fit and healthy also boosts self-confidence and self-esteem, and helps people feel good about themselves.
Increases heart rate and gives mental clarity
Exercise helps clear the mind. It can be difficult for some students to concentrate due to stress, anxiety, or depression. Exercise helps with this because it provides both an outlet for relieving these feelings as well as giving a student a chance to focus on something else.
A study conducted at the University of Sheffield found that exercise alters heart rate and improves the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, thus enabling people to concentrate better on their work later. Another study conducted by researchers suggests that regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, helping improve memory and learning abilities.
Decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease
Physical activity can be a preventive measure against many diseases, including heart disease. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 80% of heart attacks and strokes can be prevented with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
People who play sports regularly have been shown to have lower risks of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and stroke compared to their sedentary counterparts. In addition, physical exercise helps control blood sugar levels which is another great way to help people avoid developing diabetes.
Conclusion
Although sports may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is a great way to improve confidence, share experiences with friends, and let people enjoy their free time. Moreover, sports can help improve mental health by offering an outlet for stressful situations and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
If you are looking for a fun way to keep yourself fit and healthy, there is no better option than sports. Check with your local sports clubs and join a sport today!
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