How Joining a Local Sports Club Could Support Your Mental Health

Whether you like to play soccer, basketball, or softball, joining a sports club is a great way to stay fit and make new friends. Not to mention, a sports club membership can also support your mental health.

While exercise is known to improve cardio health and help you build strong muscles and bones, exercise can also alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression in the following ways.

Endorphins

You have probably heard of endorphins. They are the “feel-good” chemicals your body releases after moving your major-muscle groups. These neurochemicals have been shown to help boost mood and give us a sense of well-being.

Increased Energy

One of the most common symptoms of depression is fatigue or a lack of energy. A person may feel tired and sluggish all the time, even unable to get out of bed. This can exacerbate the depression because there is now guilt and low self-esteem associated with not accomplishing enough.

Moving your body gives it energy, which can combat fatigue you may have been feeling.

Improves Your Identity

When we commit to an exercise plan, we feel good about ourselves. According to James Blumenthal, a neuroscientist at Duke University who specializes in depression, “One of the positive psychological benefits of systematic exercise is the development of a sense of personal mastery and positive self–regard, which we believe is likely to play some role in the depression–reducing effects of exercise.”

Why Joining a Sports Club is Better Than Joining a Gym

How many of us at some point in our life have bought a gym membership and then not gone to the gym? Plenty!

The great thing about joining a sports club is that it is fun and social, these factors are likely increase our motivation to attend and participate more regularly, which is the key when it comes to reaping the mental health benefits of exercise – consistency!

If you have been suffering with symptoms of depression or anxiety and have been thinking about joining your local sports club, we encourage you to do so. Ask around town to see what groups may be available. You can also do a quick Google search to identify clubs in your area.

If you would like to address concerns about motivation, fatigue, or mood, please get in touch. We would be pleased to discuss the services we offer and the gains you may realize.

Sources:

https://psychcentral.com/blog/exercise-to-improve-your-mental-health/

https://psychcentral.com/blog/another-reason-why-exercise-benefits-your-mental-health/

https://blogs.psychcentral.com/coping-depression/2016/03/the-benefits-of-exercise-for-depression/