Mental Health...An Athlete’s Perspective

We are all aware of the physical benefits that come with playing sports. You get stronger, quicker, more agile, your coordination improves, and your overall physical health is automatically raised to a step above most people. Athletes, and people who regularly participate in intense physical activity, usually get sick less frequently, have stronger immunities, and are affected less by diseases and viral infections. Consistent physical activity in the long run is also almost guaranteed to lower your chances of life-threatening illnesses like cancer and also diseases that arise with age. But how do sports give athletes an advantage in society in terms of mental health and wellbeing?

Physical activity and exercise release endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that are

released in the pituitary gland in the brain, which are known as 'feel-good hormones.' These endorphins help alleviate stress, reduce pain, and give an overall sense of satisfaction. As a casual football player myself, I can assure you there is no feeling more fulfilling than returning to your class after winning an intense match against a team of seniors. Cloud 9 is an understatement. Playing a team sport and competing against others with similar goals as yourself can help build connections, positive relationships, and improve communication skills. Sports not only make you more confident in your own body but also improve your overall confidence in all

aspects of life, whether it is public speaking, interviews, or even social settings like parties or events.

Many skills that athletes develop in sports can be translated to other areas of their life. Leadership and communication skills are necessary in a team sport but are also vital in work environments. An athlete must deal with high-pressure situations with little to no room for error. They must have focus and discipline, which helps them on and off the pitch. The mentality an athlete must have to pick themselves up after a bitter loss or stay composed and humble after a sweet victory teaches us all a valuable life lesson; ups and downs will come and go, but we must stay focused on the journey.

Teamwork is also a crucial life skill that sports help to develop. Communicating clearly and calmly under high-pressure situations and also giving effective constructive criticism and advice to your teammates, without losing your own cool in the heat of the game, are important skills that translate to real life. From collaborating with your business partners to working on a group project with other people, teamwork is necessary for success in almost any field. It's a vicious world out there, with social media, school and college, relationships, and household problems; it’s easy to lose track of your own path. Mental health is a huge problem for our generation, and finding a good way to express or vent your confusing

emotions are very important. Whether it's through a sport, the gym, or any little hobbies. Even if you aren’t an athlete, playing sports for even a few hours a week can have extraordinary benefits to your mental wellbeing and physical health. I promise you, even if you’ve never kicked a ball in your life, give it a try and you might just fall in love with it :) Every athlete has both personal and professional struggles to deal with throughout life. They have to train every single day twice or thrice depending on the intensity but the training never stops until they have an injury which is the most dreaded part of being an athlete. It makes them feel unable to focus on their personal life as well but that’s when the problem comes no one really understands them and truly empathies they don’t need to hear it’ll be fine or it’s a part of life, they already know that and have prepared themselves for these kind of situations because that’s the risk of being and athlete. They need someone who can actually understand what’s happening and not pressurise them even more. At times they feel like machines, having the same schedule every day, sometimes eliminating the possibility of expressing their feelings completely and appearing distant. But we need to learn that they have the most disciplined life and even taking a break to them seems alien at times.

In conclusion, sports play a pivotal role not just in enhancing physical health but also in bolstering mental well-being. The benefits of regular physical activity extend far beyond the physiological; they foster emotional resilience, improve mood, and promote social connectivity. While the life of an athlete can be gruelling and the risk of injury ever-present, the mental fortitude and support systems they develop through their sporting endeavours equip them to face life's challenges with unparalleled strength. For non-athletes, incorporating even a small amount of physical activity into their routine can lead to significant improvements in mental health. Ultimately, sports offer a holistic approach to health, providing tools and experiences that are beneficial for overall well-being, fostering a sense of community, and teaching life lessons that transcend the playing field. So, whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner, embracing sports can lead to a happier, healthier life.

-Aanya Mehta and Zaena Lakhani