When life gets busy, making time for your favourite sports and activities is tricky.
However, the benefits of team sports are so profound that going even just a few days without getting involved could quickly start to show. From boosting your mood to keeping your immune system fighting fit, there are so many reasons to run, swim, or play as often as you can.
Whether you’ve just turned 21 or you’re heading towards retirement, you should try your best to keep active. We’ve explained why in our concise guide below.
The benefits of regular team sport: Explained
- Physiological
How often you move your body has a direct and lasting influence on your body. From your cardiovascular fitness to quality of your sleep, exercise is massively beneficial for multiple aspects of your health. At any age, exercise is proven to make humans feel better.
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing some illnesses and chronic conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. The link between exercise and improved sleep is well established, and there are some important distinctions to make between the effects of low- and high-intensity activity.
If you find that you have any aches, pains or strains from high-intensity activity (which is great for cardiovascular health), then arnica cream can be a great anti-inflammatory option that provides pain relief if you have any joint pain or muscle soreness.
- Social opportunities
Sport is essential for a healthy and balanced social life. From celebrating the small wins with your teammates to wearing matching Liverpool player shirts with your best mate, there are so many ways to share and make new memories with other people through sport.
Whether you go for a kickabout with your brother every night or meet up with friends for a friendly game, there are plenty of social opportunities in sport. Even if you don’t think you can make it out with someone from your household, you can meet people in your sport regardless of your age.
If you’re looking to start something new, try checking online forums or noticeboards in the heart of your community. Local sports centres and football clubs frequently host volunteer-led societies and groups, so why not get stuck into something new?
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Exercising is imperative for good mental health.
Keeping active boosts serotonin and has been proven to help against the onset of stress, worries, and mental health issues. Finding motivation to get moving can be tricky, especially for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder. However, establishing a sense of routine when it comes to exercise is the most beneficial thing you can do for your state of mind.
The Mental Health Foundation has published advice on looking after your mental health with exercise, including practical tips and explanations. If you’re unsure where to start or how much physical activity you should be doing, it’s a handy place to start.
Overview
Regular exercise is something that we should all try to include in our routines. Regardless of age, fitness levels or prior experience, getting involved not only opens doors to great social interaction but promotes good health and better mental well-being too.
If you’re worried about starting exercise again after a long-term injury or health condition, don’t hesitate to ask your physician for advice beforehand!
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