The relationship between sports and high brain function has always been contentious in most schools and even homes. But does playing sports make you smarter? The truth is, sports don’t necessarily make you smart. Instead, it helps boost and grow your mind, making it easier to improve your academic performance. Here’s everything you need to know about the psychological benefits of sports.
The Relationship Between Sports and Brain Function Explained
Research shows that when you engage in sports or any other kind of physical activity, it improves your brain function. As a result, most individuals who participate in sports have a lower risk of suffering from anxiety and depression than those who don’t. And with the absence of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems, it becomes even easier to study or understand various social and academic concepts.
Studies have shown that when people participate in sports, their bodies release endorphins, the hormones responsible for managing stress and improving mood. The presence of endorphins in the human body system also allows the brain to relax, creating the perfect atmosphere for learning.
Besides endorphins, multiple studies have shown that sports, or physical activity for that matter, help release serotonin and dopamine. These two chemicals help calm the human body by bringing a sense of happiness. As a result, the human brain finds it much easier to store and process information.
Other studies claim that sports can help stimulate the growth of new brain cells. This results in higher brain function as your brain grows bigger. In addition, due to the growth of new brain cells, the areas in charge of brain memory also expand, improving brain function in the process.
In Sweden, researchers conducted a study to determine whether mental abilities, such as executive function, could predict a soccer player’s success. The study examined soccer players from Sweden’s national division soccer league and compared them to players from a lower division and the general public.
The study discovered that elite players – those playing in the highest division league – had better results than those in the lower division. In addition, both soccer players had better results than the general public.
Transferable Skills from Sports
Most sports require high levels of concentration. For example, in soccer, players must focus on the ball while monitoring their opponent’s movements. The same applies to hockey, chess, badminton, tennis, football, etc. This level of concentration can also be transferred into the classroom. Besides, it keeps the brain active, helping students make quick, intelligent decisions.
How to Stay Motivated While Participating in Sports
Let’s face it – not everyone loves sports, and that’s totally okay. After all, there are so many ways to become smarter; sports is just one of them. However, smartness aside, sports also come with many other benefits, such as promoting good physical health.
Now that you know the many benefits of sports, you may want to pick a sport you’re comfortable with and begin practicing. But, this won’t be easy – it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and discipline. So, here are some tips to help you stay motivated while playing sports.
Seek Inspiration
The internet is full of valuable and inspirational content; you just need to know where to find it. For example, Turtle Quotes is a great platform to find motivational quotes and other inspirational content to keep you going. If you love basketball, you’ll enjoy reading these motivational basketball quotes. And, if you love some sports-related humor, these Ted Lasso quotes will make your day.
Stay Disciplined
Any successful person will tell you that discipline goes hand in hand with hard work. Discipline is the ability to maintain a schedule and a high sense of commitment to a cause, even if the results don’t show as quickly as you’d wish. When you finally choose the sport you want to participate in, create a schedule, establish your goals, whether it’s physical or mental fitness, and then stick to it.
Seek Support
Support is a little bit different from inspiration. While inspiration gives you a reason to do something, support helps you achieve the desired goal. Most sports involve teamwork, and that’s where your support comes from. Join a local sports club or league, make new friends who challenge you to become a better version of yourself, participate in competitions, and keep pushing yourself to a higher level every day. With time, you’ll also begin to realize the social benefits of sports.
The Bottomline
Multiple studies have confirmed that, indeed, sports can improve human brain function. However, it’s also important to note that if you want to become smarter academically, you’ll still need to read books and engage in other academic activities alongside sports.