Participating in sports gives children and adolescents a chance to develop healthy lifestyle habits that last a lifetime. Organized sports promote healthy motor skills for health and performance, psychosocial development and positive life attitudes [56].
However, early specialization in a single sport increases the risk of injury, overtraining and mental stress, and creates distorted social norms and an unhealthy competition mindset.
Physical Activity
Whether it’s playing sports, working out at the gym or just going for a brisk walk, physical activity triggers brain chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed. Sports also strengthen your muscles, which leads to improved strength and stamina.
Regular exercise improves your sleep patterns and helps you stay at a healthy weight. It also reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and arthritis. Kids who play organized sports are more likely to be physically active as adults, which is a great way to promote a lifelong healthy lifestyle.
Getting regular exercise through sports builds confidence in children and adolescents, as well as their self-image. They learn how to work together as a team and develop social skills that can benefit them in their daily lives. They are also less likely to use drugs, smoke or carry weapons. This is a result of the positive self-perceptions and sense of belonging they experience.
Social Interaction
Sport is a great way to bond with friends and make new ones. In fact, people who participate in sports on a regular basis tend to have more close friendships than those who do not play. This social interaction is important for mental health. Plus, the physical activity releases endorphins, which help to improve mood.
Participating in sports can also encourage the development of both slow and fast twitch muscles. This can help with coordination and endurance. It can also help kids develop better listening skills and learn how to work with others on a team.
Studies that report psychological and social health benefits of participation in sport are categorized as extracurricular activities; team sports; school or club sports; or sport in general. This information is then used to develop a conceptual model of the association between sport participation and mental and social health outcomes. A number of studies reported that greater frequency of participation in extracurricular sporting activities is associated with positive feelings of well-being, self-referenced competence, and social functioning.
Self-Esteem
In addition to physical health benefits, participating in sports teaches children about life skills such as cooperation, social cues and respect for other players. It also teaches them that hard work and practice lead to success. Athletes learn that even when they feel tired or frustrated, they can tap into a reservoir of strength, stamina and good thinking to overcome difficult situations.
Whether playing sports, working out at the gym or going for a brisk walk, all forms of physical activity stimulate neurotransmitters that induce feelings of pleasure. Those feelings of pleasure may help to alleviate stress, improve mood and enhance mental wellness.
Teamwork
A sports team is not successful without a certain amount of cooperation. Children and adults learn to cooperate with teammates that may not have the same skills or personality as them. They also learn to put their differences aside and work together for the benefit of the team, a skill that can be applied to life outside of sports such as working with a difficult colleague on a project at work or school.
Whether the sport is baseball or basketball, it is a great way for kids and young adults to socialize with other people, while spending time exercising and getting some fresh air. It also helps to improve their overall health, both physically and mentally, allowing them to avoid temptations such as drugs and criminal activity, while improving academic performance and self-esteem. The benefits of playing sports are numerous and it is important to get involved in your local community if you want to see the positive effects for yourself.
