As much fun as it is to watch our kids play their favorite sport with their friends, have you ever sat on the sidelines and thought how much fun it would be if you could play, too? From the physical activity to the group support to the feeling when you hit that game-winning goal, team sports are a great way to build friendships, stay active, and push yourself to achieve new goals. So they’re definitely as good for you as they are for your kids.
An Australian study found that women who participated in team sports experienced better mental health and overall life satisfaction than those who worked out alone at a gym or walked or ran alone. And this isn’t just for women—researchers have found that anyone who participates in a group activity or sport experiences a greater appreciation for their relationships, leading to stronger, healthier friendships and social interaction.
So, what do you have to lose—besides maybe a game or two? Learn more about why getting involved in team sports can improve your life in a variety of ways.
Stay Positive
Our brains are intended to be flexible and resilient, allowing us to cope with and adjust to the different events we experience in life. However, things like stress, trauma, or emotional distress can impact this balance, making it more difficult for us to stay positive and focused. There are many ways to counteract negativity and restore brain balance, and joining a team sport is one of them. Participating in a physical group activity increases your positivity, helping you look at your life in a healthier, happier way.
Get Physical
Finding time to exercise can be difficult with a busy schedule. But it’s important to make time for yourself and the things that will help your life stay healthy and balanced. Team sports bring back the exercise that may have fallen to the wayside, ensuring you’re getting time to push yourself toward a healthier you.
Reduce Stress
When you allow yourself to get into the game, your mind is focused on the tasks at hand and not on worries or anxieties. Going deeper, physical activities release chemical neurotransmitters called endorphins that create a euphoric, happy feeling, which reduces stress. Additionally, the increase in body temperature can create calming effects, helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
Make Exercising Fun
When life gets busy, exercising can become a chore, something you have to fit in instead of something you want to do, which means you’re less likely to do it. Joining a team sport allows you to go play with friends, meet new people, learn a new sport or get better at one you already play, all while getting in a good workout. Sports also give you a more creative, fun, and exciting workout so you don’t feel burned out as quickly.
From making friends to getting back into a healthier state, team sports have the ability to change your life for the better and give you and your kids a fun activity to have in common. Find a local league in your community, and see if it improves your mental and physical health.
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