Sports are enjoyed all around the world by millions of people. From soccer to baseball and from tennis to pickleball, there is something for everyone in the world of sports. As well as the immense fun that is playing and watching sports can bring to communities in Clearwater and beyond, there are also numerous health benefits to be gained from these activities. Here are some of the health benefits of playing sports.
- Boosts Your Mental Health
Playing sports can boost your mental health and make you feel happier. Moving your body and exercising sends positive signals to the brain and may even increase blood circulation in the brain. Activating many different muscles during games like pickleball means that your body and mind can benefit from these health benefits and create a boost to your mental health and well-being. Many people who struggle with the symptoms of depression and anxiety are encouraged to exercise regularly and engage in sports to help reduce these. - Lower Risk of Disease
Studies have shown that there is a lower risk of diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, among people who engage in regular exercise. Sports can be used as a preventative method to help reduce the risk of many common health conditions. It doesn’t matter which type of exercise you engage in as long as you get your body moving and develop a routine that is sustainable for you. This means that you can take advantage of the wide range of sports available. Some people play various sports and engage in different activities every day of the week. Whatever you choose to do, regular sports and exercise can reduce the risk of multiple diseases. - Connect with Others
Connecting with other people can boost our confidence and self-esteem and give us a more positive picture of ourselves. This can help to reduce depression and anxiety while also creating new friendships and connections. Team sports can offer many ways to make friends with other people, including during the games and in social settings afterward. For people who are using sports to boost their mental health, being able to connect with other people is often a core part of why they engage in team sports. - Reduce Stress
Regularly playing sports can help to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms and reduce your stress levels. In addition to the physical aspects of moving your body and releasing physical stress and tension, you can also relax your mind from the day-to-day worries during the time you are playing sports. This can help to reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone – leaving you feeling more relaxed and less stressed after the game. - Improved Physical Functions
Another great health benefit of playing sports is an improvement in physical functions, such as the functionality of your lungs. When you play sports or engage in other forms of exercise, it draws more oxygen into the body and can subsequently increase your lung capacity. Regular exercise and sports can help to improve this further over a long-term period, resulting in better overall health. As well as improving the functionality of your lungs, playing sports can also increase your heart health. Sports can challenge the body in new ways and ultimately expand the increase the capacity of many internal organs, including your heart.
Looking After Your Health in a Holistic Way
A holistic approach to health can help you to support your body and mind in all aspects. As well as playing sports and engaging in regular exercise, it’s important to look for other ways to support your well-being, such as mental health support. You can find help with depression and anxiety at TMS Advantage Clearwater.
Picture Credit: Freepik