TOP 5 Reasons why Sports Should Be a Part of Your Kid’s Schedule
Sports in schools can seem to be a controversial topic. In spite of extensive research citing the importance of sports and games but there are also quite a few arguments against it, questions being raised about the effectiveness of actively encouraging students to indulge in physical activities. Playing sports helps children build essential soft skills while they are still young enough to develop them properly. It provides them with an opportunity to see outside their circle of friends, thereby, they learn the value of teamwork with people who are different from them. The benefits don’t stop when school ends either. Kids who play sports after school keep reaping benefits and face newer challenges.
A vast section of society still believes that sports and athletics is a waste of time, effort and money. It is believed that it creates unnecessary aggression and doesn’t necessarily help with academic learning. However, the scientific proof attained through extensive research points to a completely different picture. In this blog, we shall see the TOP 5 reasons why sports is more of a boon than a bane.
Multi-Dimensional Development:
The characteristic of a “well-educated” individual is not only their bookish knowledge but how they carry themselves, how they treat people around them and how they react in tense situations. Playing sports and games consciously or unconsciously teach them these exact things. It helps them grow not just physically but also mentally and emotionally.
Social Skills:
The ability to communicate efficiently is one of the most important skills to learn as a student. A great communicator not only knows how to express thoughts and feelings but also has excellent listening skills. Between communicating with teammates and taking instructions from the coach, sports reinforce strong communication and listening skills. Learning the intricate details of a sport from a coach, parent or friend allows the kids to receive information and apply them to develop their skills. This exercise over time helps them to communicate better in school and in situations outside school.
Blessing in the Digital Age:
In the day and age of smart phones and fancy gadgets, it is easy for children to get access to using them and getting addicted eventually to what experts call the number one distraction for students from academics. Physical activity and sports ensure that there is a balance between studies, sports, and appropriate use of digital gadgets. Physical activity releases dopamine in the body that helps with focus, creativity, long-term memory, and concentration.
Improved Resistance Against Diseases:
Research shows engaging in physical activity 4-5 times a week can improve immunity and metabolism. Playing sports or exercising for 60 minutes or so increases your body temperature. You might be thinking, how the rise in body temperature is significant? It is. The rise in temperature prevents bacteria from growing and helps your body fend off infections better. It also flushes out bacteria from the lungs and airways, which significantly reduces the chances of catching a cold or flu.
Leadership:
If you try to paint a picture of an ideal leader in your mind, he/she will have qualities like self-discipline, consistency, communication, dedication, etc. If you notice, all these qualities are best taught through sports where there is a more hands-on approach to acquiring these skills. A strong leader has the ability to keep all players united towards a set target. This works both in playing sports and in jobs/business too.
Next time you hear someone say “learn to be a good sport” or “don’t worry, you will bounce back”, you know where they learnt it from.
