Play a Sport!

January 18, 2014

Play a Sport!

There are thousands of sports played in the world. Some people make their living off of sports. Some people revolve their life around sports. Some people are trained from the time they can walk to be an athlete. Other people don't take sports as seriously but still play them and enjoy them. What about everyone else who doesn't play a sport because they are too scared, don't understand them or think they're too out of shape? Well, they can play sports too! I strongly encourage people to play at least one sport before they are too old and here are my reasons why:

1.) Sports are a great way to kick-start a healthy lifestyle.
Even if you are a little out of shape starting a sport will give you the discipline to get back in shape. Rather than trying to get fit on your own with only your own thoughts to motivate you, you have a sport to get in shape for and a team to motivate you. When you play a sport you want to be your best so you try harder, eat healthier and get better with every practice or game to be better.

2.) Playing sports builds self-esteem, confidence and a positive attitude.
When you play a sport you are working towards goals, pushing yourself harder everyday and channeling your energy into something positive. This builds belief in your own abilities and makes you feel better about yourself.

3.) Playing a sport is a great stress reliever.
When you exercise it burns away cortisol and norepinephrine which both cause stress and endorphins, dopamine and serotonin are released. Endorphins are hormones that make you feel better or happy. Serotonin is a chemical that regulates things in the brain like mood, appetite, sleep and memory. Dopamine is also a chemical and it mediates pleasure in the brain.

4.) Sports are rewarding in many ways.

There is no better feeling in the world than when your team wins or when you score a point, touchdown, make a goal, stick a landing, or make a great play. The feeling you get when the crowd cheers for you and your teammates and coach congratulate you is priceless. Even when you make a personal goal such as running faster, longer or better you feel amazing. It teaches you that you can set goals and achieve them and how rewarding that can be.

5.) Sports are a great way to make friends.

Before I was made the transition to high school I only knew people in my grade and a few of my sister's friends. I played field hockey and we had pre-season before high school started. During pre-season I met a bunch of upperclassmen girls who were there to look out for me at school. When I went to school I felt more comfortable and even had classes with them. I made even more friends by playing gymnastics and lacrosse and I couldn't imagine my high school experience without the girls I have become so close with due to sports. Sports teams are like a family; always there to help you, motivate you and pick you up when you're down.