Have you ever felt tired, run-down, sad or mentally not bothered to do anything? In recent years, research has found that football, and sports in general, can positively affect your mental health.
Here are just some mental benefits you can gain from playing sports:
Playing sports vs exercise for improving mental health
While the physical and mental benefits of exercise are well-documented, the benefits of playing sports can offer additional advantages beyond just exercise.
These benefits can include social support, skill development, goal setting, competition, and variety.
Especially if your goal is to improve your mental health, sports are often the better choice as you're more likely to maintain it as part of your weekly routine.
Benefits of sports for mental health
1. Improves your mood
Any physical activity triggers brain chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed. Team sports, such as football, provide a chance to unwind and engage in a satisfying challenge that improves your fitness. Also, providing social benefits, by allowing you to connect with teammates and friends in a recreational setting.
2. Improves your cognitive function
Regular physical activity helps keep your key mental skills sharp as you age. This includes critical thinking, learning, and using good judgement.
Research has shown that running, change of direction and learning new skills with the ball is especially helpful. Participating in this kind of activity 2-4 times a week for at least 30 minutes can improve your memory, concentration and attention span.
3. Reduces stress and depression
When you are physically active, your mind is distracted from daily stressors. This can help you avoid getting down by negative thoughts.
Exercise not only reduces the level of stress hormones in your body, but engaging in physical activity triggers the creation of endorphins which are inherent mood boosters that can assist in preventing stress and depression. Additionally, after a strenuous workout, endorphins may leave you feeling more at ease and positive.
Of course, there are other ways that you can reduce your stress, but why not take advantage of getting to socialise with friends, getting fit and learning new skills as well.
4. Improves sleep habits
A lot of people don’t know this, but sports and other physical activity improves the quality of your sleep. It does this by helping you fall asleep faster and deepening your sleep. Sleeping better can improve your mental outlook the next day, as well as improving your mood.
5. Helps you maintain a healthy weight
Researchers recommend sports participation as a healthy way to maintain weight. Whether it be a team or individual sport, that include running, cycling, fast change of direction and pace, are all particularly effective ways to burn calories and/or build muscle. Staying active will help stay healthy and reduce the possibility of developing diabetes, hypertension, depression and high cholesterol.
6. Boost your self-confidence
The regular exercise that comes with playing sports can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. As your strength, skills and stamina increase through playing sports, your self-image will improve as well. With the renewed energy that comes from physical activity, you may be more likely to succeed in tasks off the playing field as well as on it.
7. Development of leadership traits
Team sports including soccer, cricket and basketball are breeding grounds for leadership traits. Studies reveal a correlation between sports participation and leadership qualities. Because of the opportunity to train, try, win, or lose together, people involved in sports are naturally more inclined to adopt a “team mindset” in the workplace and in social situations. The team mindset leads to strong leadership qualities over time.
Benefits of sports for children
Playing sports can have a positive impact on children in many of the same ways as it does adults. Introducing sports to children at an early age can encourage them to stay physically active throughout their life.
Additionally, research has shown that playing a team sport can lead to better grades in school, and increased engagement in after-school activities. There are numerous advantages to getting involved in sports, including improved physical and mental health, as well as overall happiness. Therefore, finding a sport to get involved in is highly beneficial.
Benefits of sports for older adults
Sports aren't just for children and young adults! Maintaining an active lifestyle has a wide variety of benefits for older adults, both physical and mental.
Benefits include reducing the risk of chronic conditions, enhancing cognitive function and providing opportunities for socialisation. Overall, engaging in sports brings about an increased quality of life.
Here at KIKOFF, we understand how important getting active at any stage of your life is. That's why we offer over-35 and over-45 soccer leagues.
Boost your mental wellbeing with soccer
A popular sport across the globe, soccer is a great choice for improving mental health and wellbeing, as well as getting involved in a team sport that boosts cognitive function.
Soccer is a high-intensity cardiovascular workout, meaning that you'll be involved in running, sprinting, and other high-intensity movements. This can help to improve heart health, increase stamina, and burn calories.
Soccer is also well known for its tactical thinking and teamwork. To work effectively as a team, you'll need to work together and communicate effectively. This helps to develop camaraderie and gives you plenty of opportunity to socialise. You'll also need to be able to anticipate the movements of other players and plan your play accordingly. This can help to strengthen your problem-solving skills and enhance cognitive function.
The pros of participating in sports are plentiful – from the advantages they provide to young children, to the proven link to mental health and happiness. There is no shortage of reasons to find a sport to get involved in.
Join an adult soccer league with KIKOFF today to experience the difference for yourself.
