CREDIT: RAPIDEYE
Physical activity plays a major role in our mental wellbeing.

In the realm of sports, where athletes strive for physical excellence, there’s a hidden champion that often goes unnoticed, and that is the profound impact of sports on mental health. Stress and anxiety can take their toll on students and beyond the arena, the power of physical activity emerges as a game changer in mental well-being in reducing stress, boost confidence, and foster a profound sense of mental well-being.

Physical activity has a remarkable ability to reduce stress according to a study published in the Journal of Sports and Exercise Psychology. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Engaging in sports can lower cortisol levels, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Patti Broadfoot, a registered social worker and therapist, said she has worked with athletes in the past and that several studies have been conducted over the years looking at physical activities and mental health outcomes.


“Physical activities decreases stress hormones, it increases your endorphins which are your ‘feelgood chemicals’ and increases your serotonin,” Broadfoot said.

Participation in sports, whether team-based or individual, often also leads to a boost in self-confidence. Achieving fitness goals, mastering new skills, and overcoming challenges in sports contribute to improved self-esteem. According to research published in the Journal of Paediatric Psychology, there is a positive impact of sport on selfworth and body image.

Broadfoot said that engaging in sport related activities doesn’t necessarily have to be at the gym, stressing that a simple walk, yoga, dancing around the house, biking, gardening, and swimming can all be great ways to begin. Stating further that these activities can assist with mental health relieve and distract you from your world.

Sports not only enhance physical fitness but also promote mental well-being according to a study in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. Athletes learn to handle stress, setbacks, and failure, translating these lessons into improved mental fortitude.

Participation in sports, especially team sports, fosters a sense of belonging and social connection. Research published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine suggests that team sports can reduce feelings of loneliness and enhance social support networks. These connections are vital for maintaining mental health.

There are challenges that come with balancing athletics and academics, however, and these bring about their own mental health issues. Balancing sports commitments and academics is no easy feat but very advisable through strategic planning, discipline, and well-constructed time management skills makes it all possible. From conquering anxiety through yoga to finding inner peace in long-distance running through physical activities impacts your mental health well-being.

“It brings a kind of burn-out for students which if not properly handled, their mental health gets affected trying to strike a balance as a student and athlete with a part-time job on the side but with strategies, the window of tolerance becomes slim,” Broadfoot stated.

Balancing sports commitments and academics is no easy feat but very advisable through strategic planning, discipline, and well-constructed time management skills makes it all possible. From conquering anxiety through yoga to finding inner peace in long-distance running through physical activities impacts your mental health well-being.

Sports have a transformative effect on mental health by reducing stress, boosting confidence, and fostering overall well-being. Engaging in physical activity, especially in a social and goal-oriented context, offers a holistic approach to mental wellness. These benefits are supported by various studies and research findings, demonstrating the significant role of sports in improving mental health. Whether as a participant or a spectator, sports can truly be game changers in the quest for mental well-being.