The benefits of sports on mental health & wellbeing

What are the benefits of sports on mental health & wellbeing? 

At all ages, participating in sports and physical activity comes with a wealth of benefits – especially on our mental wellbeing. So, what specifically are the benefits of sports on mental health and wellbeing?

The benefits of sports on mental health & wellbeing

Encourages meaningful social interaction: participating in sports and team-based activities – working together to achieve a common goal – is one of the key benefits of sports and encourages meaningful social interactions; making friends and forming positive relationships based on a common interest: the sport!

Improves overall physical health: playing a sport you enjoy regularly, and therefore exercising regularly, also leads to improvements in physical health – increased muscle, stamina, fat loss and energy levels; all working together to make you feel good! 

Leads to a better night’s sleep: physical exercise naturally leads to a better night’s sleep which also leads to improved energy levels, reductions in anxiety and/or mood swings, and reduced feelings of tiredness throughout the day. Within this, improved sleep can also improve focus & concentration which can make you more productive during the day. 

Improves self-image, self-esteem and confidence: participating in a sport you love, such as football, rugby or netball, can also improve your self-esteem, confidence, and self image; not only due to the fact that physical activity often leads to weight loss, muscle gain and increased energy levels, but also because sports help you build strong leadership skills, social skills, and lateral thinking. 

Reduces stress: the rush of endorphins you get from playing sports, as well as simply focusing on achieving a goal and working as part of a team all help to reduce stress and the physical symptoms that come with stress which, in turn, help you to feel happier, more relaxed and more fulfilled. 

Improves cardiovascular performance & endurance: playing a sport and participating in physical exercise also leads to improved cardiovascular performance and overall endurance; which enables your tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles to become stronger. 

In short, there are so many social, physical and emotional benefits to participating in a sport and being part of a sporting club or team – the benefits of sports on mental health & wellbeing, on people of all ages and abilities – are vast! Exercising and playing a sport just once or twice a week has huge, long term positive implications on many aspects of our lives. 

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