Mental Health Awareness Week
5 WAYS TEAM SPORTs CAN IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Its Mental Health Awareness week, and the theme of 2024 is Movement, something we know a thing or two about! Taking part in team sports doesn’t just benefit your physical fitness – it can also have a hugely positive impact on your mental wellbeing too.
When you play as part of a team, you’re doing so much more than just scoring goals or winning matches. Here are five ways that team sports can give your mental health a boost:
- Increased Social Connection
Humans are hard-wired to crave social connections and a sense of belonging. When you’re part of a sports team, you immediately have an automatic social circle and support network. Bonding with teammates over shared experiences, wins, and losses can help ward off loneliness and create a sense of community. - Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Participating in physical exercise is a great way to relieve stress and blow off steam after a tough day. But team sports can take this a step further by providing an outlet to get out of your own head. Whether it’s focusing on the next play or catching up with teammates, it allows you to take a break from whatever’s causing you anxiety. - Boost Self-Confidence
Learning new skills, overcoming challenges, and achieving goals with your teammates can really bolster your self-confidence. As you improve and find success within your sport, that sense of self-belief tends to spill over into other areas of your life too. - Provide a Sense of Purpose
Having a purpose and dedicating yourself to something bigger than just yourself is beneficial for mental wellbeing. When you’re part of a team, you have a built-in sense of purpose in working together toward a common goal. It can give you something to commit to and find motivation in. - Improve Mood
There’s plenty of evidence that regular exercise leads to an increase in endorphins. The “feel-good” hormones in our brain that elevate our mood. But group activities like team sports may give an even bigger mood boost through social interaction, friendly competition, and a sense of achievement.
At My Club, we offer affordable, Custom Teamwear to organisations across the UK, from local recreational clubs to elite sports teams. By fuelling both physical and mental health, team sports can positively impact all areas of life – on and off the field. So why not look into joining a local club today? Your mind and body will thank you for it!
Check out our Social Media Wall and have a look at the teams busting their stress in their own designs!
