How Playing Sport Benefits Your Body and Your Brain
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Lesson Article
Benefits of Playing Sports
Many people enjoy watching and playing sports. However, some may wonder if playing sports is good for us or just a fun pastime. This article explores the physical and mental benefits of playing sports, as well as the psychological benefits that go beyond exercise alone.
Physical and Mental Benefits of Exercise
It is widely accepted that exercise is good for our bodies and minds. Exercise has various health benefits, including strengthening bones, clearing out bad cholesterol from arteries, and reducing the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Additionally, our brains release various chemicals during exercise, such as endorphins. Endorphins are natural hormones that control pain and pleasure responses in the central nervous system, leading to feelings of euphoria or a “runner’s high.” Consistent physical activity can also sharpen focus, and improve mood and memory.
Psychological Benefits of Playing Sports
While exercising at the gym can provide physical and mental benefits, studies show that joining a sports team can offer even more. One significant benefit of playing sports is the psychological benefits that come with being on a team. The communal experience of being on a team can help build trust, dependence, and teamwork skills. Committing to a team and doing something fun can also make it easier to establish a regular habit of exercise. School sport participation has also been linked to a reduced risk of suffering from depression for up to four years. Playing sports can also boost self-esteem and confidence. By working hard at skills, especially with a good coach, you reinforce a growth mindset within yourself. This mindset is useful in all areas of life. Learning through failure is another benefit of playing sports. The experience of coming to terms with defeat can build the resilience and self-awareness necessary to manage academic, social, and physical challenges.
Finding the Right Sport
Not everyone will enjoy every sport, and it may take time to find one that fits your strengths. However, if you spend some time looking, you’ll be able to find a sport that fits your individual needs. Joining a supportive community, building confidence, exercising your body, and nurturing your mind are some of the benefits of playing sports.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the physical and mental benefits of exercise are well-known, playing sports offers additional psychological benefits that can have long-term impacts. By finding the right sport and joining a team, you can experience the many benefits of playing sports, including building teamwork skills, improving your self-esteem and confidence, and learning to manage failure.
Discussion Questions
- What are some of the physical and mental health benefits of playing sports?
- What kind of mindset do we need to have when we play sports?
- How can playing sports help us build confidence and resilience?
- What kind of sports would best fit an individual’s needs?
- How can playing sports help us to form relationships with others?
- What are the psychological benefits of taking part in a team sport?
- How can playing sports help to reduce the risk of depression?
- Why is it important to find a sport that fits your individual needs and interests?
Lesson Vocabulary
Sports – Physical activities that involve competition or exercise – Example sentence: Playing sports with friends can be a great way to stay active and have fun.
Exercise – Physical activity that is done to improve physical fitness and health – Example sentence: Exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Mental Health – A person’s psychological and emotional well-being – Example sentence: Taking time to practice mindfulness and self-care can help improve mental health.
Endorphins – Hormones produced in the brain and nervous system that act as natural painkillers – Example sentence: Exercise helps release endorphins which can improve mood and reduce stress.
Euphoria – A feeling of intense happiness and excitement – Example sentence: She felt a burst of euphoria when she heard the news.
High Blood Pressure – A condition in which the force of blood against artery walls is too high – Example sentence: Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help reduce high blood pressure.
Diabetes – A chronic condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly – Example sentence: People with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels and follow a healthy lifestyle to manage the condition.
Pain – A physical or emotional discomfort caused by injury or illness – Example sentence: She was in so much pain that she could not move.
Pleasure – A feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction – Example sentence: He took great pleasure in watching the sunset.
Central Nervous System – The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord – Example sentence: Exercise can stimulate the central nervous system and improve mental clarity.
Growth Mindset – A belief that intelligence can be developed through hard work and dedication – Example sentence: She had a growth mindset and was always trying to learn new skills.
Resilience – The ability to recover quickly from difficulty or misfortune – Example sentence: He demonstrated great resilience in the face of adversity.
Self-Awareness – An understanding of one’s own thoughts, feelings, and behavior – Example sentence: Being self-aware can help you make better decisions and have healthier relationships.
Team Sport – A sport that is played between two teams that require cooperation between players – Example sentence: Playing a team sport teaches important lessons such as communication and collaboration.
Self-Esteem – A person’s overall self-worth or sense of self-value – Example sentence: She had low self-esteem and did not believe in her abilities.
Confidence – A feeling of assurance about one’s own abilities – Example sentence: He was filled with confidence as he prepared for the job interview.
Community – A group of people living in the same area and having shared interests and experiences – Example sentence: The tight-knit community always comes together to help each other in times of need.
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- Categories: Physical Education, TED Ed, Video Lessons
- Keywords: central nervous system, community, confidence, diabetes, endorphins, euphoria, exercise, growth mindset, high blood pressure, mental health, pain, pleasure, resilience, self-awareness, self-esteem, sports, team sport
