“The pain you feel today will be the strength you feel tomorrow”
We often hear people suggesting us to be active and take up a sport while we are in our schools or colleges. We are told by our parents or elders to play basketball or football so that we have a fit body and are free from disorders like obesity which we acknowledge wholeheartedly.
Scientists also agree that exercise strengthens the heart and it performs more efficiently, warding off any cardiac problems. Exercising helps in reducing the amount of harmful cholesterol and fats in our blood. Doing physical activity also increases our lung capacity and reduces blood sugar levels, protecting us from diabetes. Other physical advantages of working hard include weight control, strengthening of bones, reducing the chances of cancer and regulating blood pressure.
While there are a lot of physical benefits, there are other advantages of playing sports that help us in becoming a better human being.
Without further ado, let’s have a look:
Improves Concentration
Playing sports helps our brain work better. Exercising increases the flow of blood to the brain and helps our body build connections between nerves, leading to an increased concentration and enhanced memory. Students who participate in sports activities do better in their academics, have stimulated creativity and develop problem-solving skills as compared to students who are not athletic. Football, basketball and many other sports increase our alertness.
Builds Confidence
In today’s world, self-confidence and self-esteem are essential for success in school or work. A pat on the back from the coach, a high-five from a teammate, a handshake after the match or cheers from the audience boosts a student’s confidence. Words of praise and encouragement from teachers or parents can improve self-esteem. Not only they help on the field but also help in speaking up in a classroom or going for a job interview.
Teamwork
There is no ‘I’ on the team. It’s either ‘Us’ or ‘We’.
Sports give us the opportunity of working with other’s and even if we don’t get along with a teammate, it forces us to put our differences aside and play with a common goal. It brings us together and helps us develop connections with people from all walks of life. It teaches us that we cannot win unless we work together and bring out the best in each other. Working together is an important trait today and learning it during our school/colleges can help us be better team players in our professional life.
Discipline
Whether it is football, cricket or badminton, every game requires mental, physical and tactical discipline. Following rules, obeying the coach and the authorities, practising restraint, etc., are all forms of discipline taught on the field. Discipline is one of the traits of successful people as it helps us reach our full potential and realize our goals.
Accept Defeat
It is one of the lifelong lessons that we learn by participating in games. It is important for us to understand that we all have to face failure in our life at least once or twice in order to achieve our goals. We discover that by never giving up, we are closer to achieving our goals. We learn to be resilient by powering through bad times and it teaches us about healthy competition.
Leadership and Communication
Becoming a captain or preparing to become one teaches us how to be a good leader. Talking to the team, managing the players, taking their responsibility and at the same time, bringing the best in everyone, helps us develop leadership traits. These skills are put to use on the pitch as well as in the real world. Asking for help from your seniors on the team, you become a senior yourself as the years roll by and give advice to your juniors.
We benefit a lot from playing sports. We learn lifelong lessons and habits that we carry forward with us in the future. We persevere that gives us better coping skills and critical thinking skills to face bigger situations in our professional life.
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