Sports not only provide entertainment. Learn the top 7 benefits of sports
Just like reading is necessary for mental health, playing sports is important for physical health.
It doesn’t only act as a pastime, but it also helps in the establishment of healthy habits and routines.
There is an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence on the positive effects of sport and physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Let’s list down what active sports do for us.
1. Mental health
The physical activity involved in sports stimulates hormones that help to sharpen focus, increase self-esteem, improve memory and boost mood. It also reduces the chances of depression and anxiety.
How?
Physical activeness forces you to engage yourself fully in the task at hand, leaving behind thoughts and worries you may have had beforehand. Active sport stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural happy chemicals.
Staying active is the easiest way to stay happy!
2. Physical health
A physically active body leads to better physical health. It enhances the immune system and reduces the chances of getting sick.
The chances of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are lower in an active person. The physical activity involved in sports improves the overall health of the cardiovascular system and prevents hypertension.
Are you trying to lose weight? Join a team and start playing active sports. It burns calories, reduces body fat and improves metabolism as well.
3. Psychological benefits of Sports
Playing sports helps us psychologically, both in the short and long term.
Active sports stimulate happy hormones that keep us away from depression and sadness. It allows us to challenge ourselves, set goals, and motivates to be better than yesterday.
Long term psychological benefits come from communal experience. In a team, we learn to trust others, depend on our teammates, learn to give and accept help, and work together towards a common goal.
Playing sports also instills leadership qualities in players which they can apply in all dimensions of their life.
4. Muscular strength
Active sports can help us improve muscular strength and endurance. It improves joint flexibility and aids the building of dense and strong bones. Also, players have fewer chances of osteoporosis and serious injuries and have improved stamina and concentration.
Participation in aerobic activities -such as running, cycling- improves blood circulation and effective transportation of oxygen in the body.
Researchers have also observed improved reflex responses in athletes.
5. Improves the sleep cycle
Sports also help in the improvement of the sleep cycle. Tiredness makes us fall asleep faster and we also enjoy deep sleep.
Exercise during active sports increases body temperature. The drop in temperature after an exercise stimulates the sleep cycle. It also reduces insomnia, anxiety and depressive symptoms and helps you fall asleep quicker.
However, it’s recommended not to play late in the day. It’ll leave you too energized to sleep.
6. Sports teaches failure
It’s the most long term benefit that impacts the player’s personality and changes their outlook on life.
Sports allow the players to learn to live the highs and lows of both winning and losing.
These setbacks build resilience and make them strong.
They go through the experience of coming to terms with defeat and learn from their mistakes. It helps them to cope with their social, academic and physical hurdles with ease.
7. Having fun
Alongside every benefit we get from playing sports, the best of all is fun.
Sports bring entertainment, enjoyment, strength, reason to hang out with friends, and motivation to stay active!
Play with your friends, start active living and enjoy the fun and excitement it brings!
To achieve Saudi Vision 2030, GSA is organizing many sporting events in the Kingdom. Stay updated on these events with the Hala Yalla app and make an active and healthy community around you. Download the app now on Android or iOS