By Gabe Sanders PhD, NSCA-CSCS
Adolescence is a time of development, change, positive and negative stress. Organized sport participation can provide a healthy outlet for stress and can help adolescents to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stress.
Adolescence is also a time when many mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, can develop. Organized sport participation can help to reduce the risk of developing these problems and can help adolescents who are already struggling with mental health problems to manage their symptoms.
Organized sports are a healthy way to stay active
If you are an adolescent who is struggling with mental health problems, or if you are simply looking for a healthy way to stay active, organized sports participation may be a good option for you. There are many different types of organized sports available, so you can find one that is right for you. Talk to your friends and family to identify local leagues and teams for participation. The best way to start is to get involved in a brief four-six-week league that meets only one day per week. This prevents burnout and keeps it more exciting for kids and adolescents.
For kids, once they have found an organized sport to participate in, be sure to:
- Set realistic goals.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help from your coaches or teammates.
- Take breaks when you need them.
- Listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard.
Participation in organized sports decreases mental health issues
A recent study used data from over 11,000 US children and adolescents to examine the association between organized sports participation and mental health difficulties. The authors found that children and adolescents who participated in organized sports were less likely to experience mental health difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, and conduct problems. The authors also found that the benefits of organized sports participation were greatest for children and adolescents who were from low-income families.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, organized sports participation can also help children and adolescents develop important life skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and discipline. It can also teach them how to deal with challenges and setbacks, and how to work hard to achieve their goals.
If you are a parent or caregiver, you can encourage your child to participate in organized sports. There are many different sports to choose from, so you can find one that your child is interested in and that fits their skill level. You can also talk to your child's school about the sports programs that are available.
Article’s Sources
Hoffmann, Matt D., et al. “Associations between organized sport participation and mental health difficulties: Data from over 11,000 US children and adolescents.” PLoS one 17.6 (2022): e0268583.
Popovych, Ihor, et al. “Strengthening of student youth’s mental health using play sports.” (2022).
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