25 Apr 2023 | 2 mins
Overview

From giving you a better nights rest to improving your mental health, here are eight benefits sport brings that you may never have considered.

Playing sports kills two birds with one stone. Actually, it kills a tonne of birds...

Okay, it's starting to look like a bird graveyard over here and that was not the purpose of this article... Basically, playing sports gives you a tonne of benefits. It allows you to stay active, social, happy and productive, just to name a few. 

If you're still not convinced, here are some of the many benefits sports will bring you. If you don't join a sports team by the end of this article, I'll be surprised. 

1. Improved mental health 🥰

Thanks to all the dopamine exercise brings ya, playing sports has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Not to mention, it boosts self-confidence and self-esteem.

2. Better time management skills ⏰

Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and sports teaches you valuable time management skills that you'll hold onto forever. Trust me, you won't go far in your career, or life really, without time management skills. 

3. Enhanced teamwork 👬

There's no better way to learn teamwork than on the field or court. Collaborating to achieve a common goal, communicating effectively, and working out how you can help is an invaluable skill for life!

4. Increased social skills 💬

Some of us weren't born with the gift of the gab, but don't stress! A perfect place to learn is on the field or court. Sports allows you to meet people, make mates and practice your communicating - whether it's verbal or nonverbal, with teammates and coaches. 

5. Better sleep 😴

Regular physical activity can improve the quality of your z's, leading to better focus and performance in school and work!

6. Stronger bones 💪

Eat Weet-Bix, play sports and you'll be strong as strong can be... well, I dunno much about the science behind Weet-Bix but it is proven that sports such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer can help build bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life. 

7. Reduced risk of chronic diseases 🌈

Regular physical activity has been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Result!

8. Improved academic performance 🏆

Studies have shown that students who play sports tend to have higher grades and better academic performance than their non-athletic peers. Why? Sport clears your head, eases your stress, fills you with dopamine (making you happier), and is just fun! Life is all about balancing work and play.

So what sport are you gonna choose? I'm off to play footy. 😉