29 Sep The Benefits of Team Sports
When you think of team sports you might imagine a child’s little league team or a homecoming football game. But working together on the field—or diamond—has significant advantages for both kids and adults alike. Stronger people skills, increased physical fitness, and improved mental health are just some of the many benefits linked to team sports.
Read on for five benefits of joining a sports team.
Sportsmanship
No one likes a sore loser or an obnoxious winner. Team sports are about humility and learning to control one’s emotions after setbacks. You won’t win every game, but you won’t lose every game either.
Maybe the most intuitive benefit, but team sports just simply get you out and moving. They’re a perfect way to help you reach fitness goals, maintain a healthy weight, and improve cardiovascular health, while also decreasing your chances of heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
The ability to work together and put our personal opinions aside for the greater good is as critical in everyday life as it is on a sports team. A team is only as good as its players, and its players are only as strong as their trust in their teammates. Each player brings their own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to the team to respect these qualities and learn how to integrate them into play. Even when players don’t get along, they still have to come together and put their differences aside for the benefit of the team.
When you’re part of a team, you become a piece of something bigger than yourself. Team sports instill camaraderie among players and a shared respect that increases during each practice and after each game—win or lose. Everyone plays a key part in the overall success of the team, which is a great way to help players build a sense of belonging and purpose. Teammates encourage one another to succeed and to reach their goals because they know it’s the best way to create a winning team. These relationships can extend beyond the game and create lasting friendships and support.
When we exercise, our brains release dopamine and endorphins, two hormones that aid in natural stress reduction and an improved mood. Virtually any exercise helps our brains produce these hormones, so as long as you pick an activity and get moving, odds are you’ll mellow out. In addition, your teammates may be able to offer support or just lend an ear as you vent about your day.
All the reasons above are great incentives to participate in team sports, but at the end of the day joining a soccer team or basketball game at your local gym is just fun! It’s important to carve out time to enjoy yourself and give yourself a chance to loosen up from work responsibilities and other duties. And what better way to do that than a friendly game of softball or kickball?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469
https://www.muhealth.org/conditions-treatments/pediatrics/adolescent-medicine/benefits-of-sports
https://activeforlife.com/benefits-of-team-sports-for-kids/
https://www.activesgcircle.gov.sg/read/10-benefits-of-team-sports
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