On World Mental Health Day 2024, the spotlight is on the vital role sports play in enhancing mental health. Engaging in physical activity not only boosts mood and reduces anxiety but also fosters social connections and improves overall well-being.
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The World Mental Health Day is observed across the globe on 10 October. In 1992 on this date, the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) took out an initiative and declared the said day as World Mental Health Day. Be it in your professional or personal life, mental health is something that cannot be taken for granted.
And sports can play a crucial role in attaining the desired mental health. We take a look at how playing sports help enhance one’s mental health:
Better positive mindset and reduction in anxiety
Being involved in playing sports or any form of physical activity helps an individual develop a positive mindset and remain in a good mood. As per a research paper that was published in the Psychiatry Research journal, an individual can develop positive mood and also reduce anxiety symptoms by undergoing even one session of simple exercise. Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters, and increased levels of these benefit in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Teamwork and social interactions
Another major aspect of taking part in sports is teamwork which leads to more social interactions between individuals. This further reduces an individual’s feeling of being isolated within a community.
As per the American Journal of Psychiatry, social interactions between a group of people reduces chances of an individual suffering depression or anxiety. It also helps an individual feel that he/she belongs to that community and is not left out.
Reduction of stress
Being involved in sports and sporting activities also helps an individual reduce stress. Such physical exercises also increase the production of endorphins, which are usually “feel good” hormones. These “feel good hormones” helps in reducing an individual’s in minimizing the feeling of depression and anxiety.
Focussed concentration and discipline during sports training sessions on a regular basis is beneficial for reducing stress.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), taking part in physical activity regularly “reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhances brain health, and can improve overall well-being.”
As per WHO’s global action plan for 2018-2030, some of the policy recommendations to communities across various countries include “access to walking, cycling and non-motorized transport; that increase physical activity opportunities in schools, workplaces, childcare centres and in healthcare service delivery; and that increase accessibility and availability of community sports and public open spaces.”
Increase in self-confidence
Self-confidence plays a crucial role in sports participation. Athletes and individuals are determined to achieve new personal records, or it can be about simply winning a match. The sense of wanting to accomplish more and setting new goals is not just an aspect in sports, but in every aspect of life.
Additionally, activities like yoga, which is also regarded as a sport, help an individual calm down his/her mind in tense or pressure situations.
Playing sports also helps in developing cognitive function, prompt decision-making, and strategic planning. According to a study in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, older adults who took part in physical activities showcased better cognitive function than those who remained inactive. Basketball and tennis are examples of sports that enhance cognitive function due to the intense physical and mental exercises involved to play the sport.
Quality of sleep
Engaging in sports also helps enhance one’s quality of sleep. According to the Journal of Sleep Research study, individuals who are regularly involved in sports get better quality sleep, which is important to restabilize memory and also improve mental health overall.