Happy Big Games
Understanding the joy of play
Haven’t we all been there? Watching big games in a sports hall, a stadium or on a screen, following our favourite players, or simply marvelling at the muscle movements of a random sports performer…
Right now the whole world is celebrating sports at the Olympic Games in Paris. I have never been great at following such big events. This time again, I’ve only seen some snippets of Salma Hayek carrying the Olympic Torch and Celine Dion performing on the Eiffel Tower.
While I was flying in my thoughts in a completely different entity, the algorithms of the internet gave me an interesting quote from a Japanese gymnast and seven-time Olympic medalist:
I’ve realized the extraordinary power of sports to heal, unite and inspire. I believe the Olympics will serve as the ultimate platform to provide positive change.
What exact changes did he mean apart of building physical strength and winning medals?
Not exactly hastily reels of over-waited individuals pirouetting around their living room in a swimming costume under the inspiration of the big games…
Haven’t you noticed that on the days when you dance, go on your bike, swim, go to the gym or play any other sport everything kind of goes a little smoother? It is not a coincidence. Survey showed that people who exercised reported 43.2% fewer bad mood days in the past month compared to those who did not exercise. A professor of psychology at Boston University, Dr. Michael Otto, proved that correlation in his interview:
“The link between exercise and mood is pretty strong. Usually, within five minutes after moderate exercise, you get a mood-enhancement effect.”
How does this work? Physical activity releases endorphins, known as the body’s natural “happy chemicals,” and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
From a long-term perspective, sports have a significant effect on mental health. According to a recent study, children and adults who regularly engage in physical activity have a reduced risk of depression. Psychologist Kate Hays, who specialises in sports psychology, even labels sports as “medicine for many common mental health challenges.”
“It can help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep, and boost energy levels.”
Throughout history, sports have been very popular among the best scientists. Leonardo da Vinci, considered “the best inventor ever,” was widely known as the strongest man in Florence and an accomplished fencer. The most famous physicist, Albert Einstein, was famous for his love of boating and bicycling, and his colleague Enrico Fermi, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics, was an avid tennis player.
Is there any connection between their professional success and their sports hobbies? Dr. John Ratey, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, emphasises the cognitive benefits of exercise.
“Physical activity sparks biological changes that encourage brain cells to bind to one another. This is essential for learning and memory.”
Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, stimulating the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes the growth and survival of neurons. BDNF is crucial for learning, memory, and higher thinking.
Moreover, sports that involve coordination and strategy, such as tennis or basketball, can enhance cognitive skills like planning, multitasking, and problem-solving. Research shows that middle school and high school students who play sports perform better in school, and then do better in life than people who do not play sports.
In any kind of business, it’s advantageous to have a high level of discipline or concentration. But in sports, it’s an integral part of the process. As someone once said, “When 140 kilograms are put on your chest, you just can’t think about anything else, except to get them off of you.”
Dr. Jim Taylor, a sports psychologist and author, wrote that sports instil a sense of responsibility and commitment:
“Those who go in for sports learn to set goals, follow routines, and push through challenges, all of which are essential for cultivating discipline.”
And the great thing is that those traits are left with people even when they do something else except gym exercises. Many studies have found that people who engage in physical activity have higher levels of self-regulation and discipline compared to non-athletes. The researchers attributed these traits to the structured nature of sports training, which requires consistent effort and dedication.
A study from the University of Kent revealed that participation in sports can enhance self-control and delaygratification. The researchers noted that athletes were better able to resist immediate temptations in favor of long-term rewards.
And being able to focus on what truly matters seems to be one of the best skills, isn’t it?
At times when we look good, we feel good, don’t we? So, it’s obvious that keeping your body fit is beneficial for your self-esteem. However, the benefits of sports only begin here. Many experts say that sports can significantly enhance your moral self-image.
The sense of accomplishment and physical improvements gained through sports contribute to a more positive self-image. In particular, Dr. Joan Duda, a professor of sport and exercise psychology at the University of Birmingham, says:
“Sports provide a platform for individuals to challenge themselves, see visible differences, and achieve success. These experiences can foster a stronger sense of self-worth and self-confidence.”
If our self-esteem is high, it usually enhances our confidence in all areas of our lives. Successful performance in sports has at least proven to enhance an individual’s belief in their ability to succeed in other areas of life.
One more advantage of sports is that it teaches us to base our confidence on the hard work we put in. In sports, you can’t hope to win if you don’t train hard and consistently. Knowing that your body is strong and your skills are good gives you confidence. So even when you’re up against tough opponents, you know you’re ready. You believe in your abilities because you’ve seen them develop.
So, sports teach us to evaluate ourselves objectively and not underestimate our own strength, which helps in all areas of life.
When we talk about team sports, it may improve social skills better than any other activity. I recall our childhood days playing volleyball or basketball together. We became best friends in a minute when the team was formed. We subconsciously realised that we had to communicate effectively, understand each other’s non-verbal cues, resolve conflicts, and support and respect one another to win.
A study from the University of Florida revealed that children who played team sports demonstrated better leadership skills and pro-social behaviours, such as helping and cooperating with others. The researchers noted that these benefits extended beyond the sports field, positively impacting the children’s academic and social lives.
Psychologist Daniel Gould, director of the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University, emphasises the role of sports in developing empathy.
“Sports can teach individuals to understand and share the feelings of others,” he says. “They learn to support their teammates in victory and defeat, which fosters emotional intelligence and social bonding.”
Great communication, teamwork, and empathy are great skills to win in life too. They move from sports to other areas of life, like any other skill.
After reminding ourselves why sports command so much attention, don’t we all want to get to a basketball hall, squash/tennis court, gym, swimming pool, dancing floor, or football pitch? It’s not just about the thrill of competition or the spectacle of athleticism. It’s about the transformative power it has on our minds, our relationships, and our sense of self.
