The Science Behind Sports

By: V. Gonzalez 

Why are sports important to you?
Knowing that exercising and playing sports is good for you has almost become common knowledge and can be considered to be extremely obvious. But how exactly do we benefit from exercising?

Firstly, exercising is hugely important, especially for younger kids, as it strengthens our bones, reduces cholesterol levels in our arteries, reduces the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Moreover, when exercising, our brain releases numerous hormones, including endorphins, which are mainly responsible for controlling pain and pleasure responses in the central nervous system, and can lead to feelings of euphoria. An increase in the concentration of endorphins in our blood, as well as consistent physical activity in general, can sharpen our focus and improve our mood and memory.

However, does going to the gym have equal benefits as playing sports? You may be asking yourself. Well, interestingly enough, being part of a team sport brings you benefits beyond the physical and emotional ones brought by exercising alone. Some of the most significant and psychological benefits, both in the short and long term, can come from being part of a team; these include the ability to trust and depend on others, to accept help, to give help, and to work together towards a common goal. Also, practicing sports tends to make it easier to have a regular habit of exercising as it is more motivational and encouraging. Furthermore, people that engaged in team sports during high school years have shown to have reduced their risk of suffering from depression for up to four years, as well as they showed to have boosted their confidence and self-esteem. These are all wonderful consequences of the practice, hard work, and determination, all of which contribute to a growth mindset within us. When playing sports, athletes have to learn through failure and find different ways to approach the challenges ahead – a valuable lesson that they carry with them in the long term, for the rest of their lives.

Anyways, I hope you can now understand the importance of engaging in sports and consider taking some time off your week, especially during these difficult times, to exercise your body and release those hormones that make us happy. 

Stay active and stay safe!
 
Sources:
TED-Ed videos on YouTube 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmFQqjMF_f0