It was not that long ago when children couldn’t wait to go out and play with their friends. Our parents (yes, I belong to a bit older generation) couldn’t make us get into the house when it was meal time. We loved being outdoors so much that we were ready to skip a meal (or school, but that’s a whole different issue). Today, the situation is different. While television and video games are becoming more popular, sports and exercising are losing popularity. However, sport is very important as it contributes to the development of both physical and mental health of children and students.
All experts agree that people who often engage in sports activities have a better quality of life than their counterparts who sit around doing nothing all day. People playing sports regularly are also more active in the other areas of life. They do their chores regularly and they make smart decisions because they have a balanced mental development. If you do not encourage your kids to play sports with their friends, it might cause them to become inactive and nervous once they make the transition into the adulthood. A fitter person usually performs better at school and, once it becomes an adult, he/she also excels at their workplace.
Let’s see how sports can positively influence our lives:
Strength and Coordination
A person who regularly engages in sports and physical activities easily remains healthy and fit. Furthermore, as the time goes, he/she builds the body strength and becomes more confident about his/her body. Plus, sports help children develop better coordination, Improves HGH hormone which is responsible for the growth of an individual that may prove to be useful later in their lives.
Strength and coordination aren’t the only physical benefits of sports. The most important one is actually perspiration. When you do sports or exercising, you are sweating which helps you get rid of the toxins in your body and boosts your immune system. On top of that, you increase your endurance. The chances are that both children and adults who are good as sports will get less tired compared to people that rarely engage in physical activities.
Another thing you should take into account is that athletes rarely have problems with obesity. There is no need to be a professional athlete, even occasionally playing sports will help you burn the extra calories, develop your muscles and keep your body fit.
Aside from keeping your body in shape and, therefore, making you feel better, sports have a great impact on your organism’s health. Active people rarely have issues with high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes. Sports also improve the function of your lungs and heart and help you lead a healthier life.
Sports Build Character
Sports will help you build your muscles and become more endurable, but it will also help you to improve your character. Numerous studies confirmed that discipline and punctuality are two traits you can usually see in people doing sports. After all, they can’t allow themselves to be late for training and miss it altogether.
As for the children, it is incredibly important to let them participate in different sports and outdoor games with their friends. That will encourage them to build and cultivate social relationships and, therefore, make more friends. All that will prepare the kids to perform better in social situations once they move into the adulthood. Many friendships develop from playing sports together. Training with your team and participating in various competitions leads to opportunities to meet new people. On top of that, sports are not connected to the social status. You don’t have to worry if you don’t have a high income because sports are the perfect opportunity for all social groups to socialize.
Teamwork and Fair Play
Another important thing that your child can learn from playing sports is the value of teamwork. Not only it will be used to being around other people, it will also learn how to work with them in order to achieve a joint goal. Respecting opponents, as well as teammates, is another important aspect where sports impact the life of your child. He/she learns to follow the rules of the game and accept the results whether they won or lost the game. Sports teach children not only to be graceful winners but to accept defeats as something that is also a part of life.
Sports as a Career
Sports can actually be a career path for your child. Thanks to the modern times, there are plenty of opportunities to choose a fitting sports career. Football (soccer), for example, is extremely popular throughout the entire world and professionals make millions playing it. On the other hand, if you want to be a top player, it requires strong physical fitness, enthusiasm and mental strength. Basketball, volleyball, cricket and tennis are also very popular worldwide. Whichever sports you choose for your career, it’s important to know that you have to be persistent and train on a regular basis. You should have the talent, too, but hard work will take you to success.
Final Words
Whether you choose to be a professional athlete or you just want to play with your friends, sports should be an integral part of your life. It offers multiple benefits, including numerous advantages for your physical and mental health, and they offer many opportunities for socializing.
When it comes to children, an important thing to note is that you should motivate your child to play sports from the early age. Parents should make sure to set a proper example and encourage their children to be active and spend time outdoors. That is a sure way of raising a healthy child that will be ready for all challenges that adulthood brings.
If you are already an adult, don’t worry. Regardless of your age, sports can contribute to your overall health. Not only sports can help you get rid of those extra pounds and get your body in order, but being more active also makes you feel much better. So, what are you waiting for? Call your friends and head out for a game of your favorite sport!
