The Effects of Sports on Emotional Health

Whether you play a game indoors or outdoors, participation in sports provides many benefits. Vigorous physical exercise from such activities as soccer or tennis helps prevent various diseases. Feeling fit can help you feel good emotionally. Even those games that do not involve a lot of physical exercise play an important role in character building. However, attitude is important. If your heart isn't in it, sports can take a toll on your emotional health.

Depression and Anxiety

• Physical exercise promotes production of endorphins. These proteins act on the brain to reduce the perception of pain. According to Mayo Clinic, physical activity inhibits the release of chemicals by the immune system that may worsen depression. It also keeps the body temperature high, and this helps calm you.

  Exercise also promotes sound sleep and serves as a distraction that keeps the mind off worries. Researchers from the University of Bristol and Cardiff University found that men who used leisure time for heavy-intensity activities such as football or running were less prone to develop depression than those who were less active.

Confidence

• Increased physical fitness and ability boosts confidence. Sports also provides the opportunity to set goals and reach them. According to Marianne Engle, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor at New York University Child Study Center, sports allows children to develop leadership abilities, critical thinking, self-discipline, trust and respect for others.

Increased Anxiety

• Performance in sports works as motivation for some athletes, whereas for others it causes stress and anxiety. Expectations of the spectators add to the performance anxiety that a professional athlete may experience before and during the event. Also, for some individuals, winning and losing in sports is all that matters, and they may become overly competitive.

Aggression

• There is debate about whether sports triggers aggression among players and spectators or if it just provides them an opportunity to release their natural aggression.