Sports And Health

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Sports as we know is any physical activity that involves exertion, skill or competition. Do I like sports? Of course! I like sports. Scratch that, I love sports. I grew up with a father that loves sports, especially football. This made it easier for me to develop interest in sports.

I participate in various sports activities but my favourite is "swimming". Would you like to know why it's swimming? Please keep reading. Firstly, swimming helps calm my nerves after a stressful day. When I glide into the water, all my stress just goes away. No screens, no noise, it is just me and the water.

Secondly, I love that swimming is a full-body workout. Swimming works everything - the arms, legs, core, back- without pounding my joints. Each time I'm done swimming, I feel stronger and refreshed unlike running where l feels achy.

Thirdly, I feel free when I am in the water. I don't know exactly how it happens, but water feels so free. I can move in ways that i can't on land. On land, I am aware of the law of gravity but in water, I become free of such. I can freely stretch without stiffness, flip without fear, or just float like a starfish. The water just feels freeing.

The fourth reason I love swimming is that it has helped me to build tolerance to cold water, and this helps in boosting circulation, reduces inflammation and even triggers "cold shock proteins".

Did you know that swimming is just perfect for all moods? That's amazing right! This is the fifth point as to why swimming is my best sport. Whenever I feel tired, I get into the pool, do slow backstroke, while watching the clouds. If I'm looking for inspiration, I dive underwater, ideas just begins to flow. I love it.

The sixth reason I choose swimming is because of my love for others. In case a situation arises where a person is drowning, I can confidently jump in the water, swim towards the person and rescue the person. Being able to swim also offers the opportunity to teach people who can't swim but are willing to learn.

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Next, I want to share with you how sports has improved my physical and mental health. The benefits are numerous but I'll mention few.

Physically, getting involved in sports activities has really helped with the condition of my heart. It makes my heart pump, which lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. My muscles and bones feels much stronger, which prevents injuries and osteoporosis.

Sports has really helped me not to become overweight. The more I do sports, the more calories I burn, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight without strict diets. Doing sports helps me sleep better. I fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed after sports.

Let's talk about that mental benefits of sports.

1. It relief stress: sport activities releases endorphins, a chemical that makes the brain feel good.
2. Boots confidence .
3. Reduces depression and loneliness.
4. Also teaches life skills.

When you don't participate in sport activities, what happens?

1. You'll develop weaker bones and muscles. Due to irregular movements, muscles may shrink and your bones may lose density, it may cause fractures.
2. Higher risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart problems and weight gain.
3. Less energy and bad sleep.

Let me also mention few negative effects of lack of sport to the mental health. Staying without sport can make one feel stressed and anxiety. This happens due to the absence of endorphins. An inactive person in sports may experience loneliness and low self esteem.

I'll say YES. Everyone should include include sports in their routine. I believe that sports are not meant for athletes or fitness fanatics alone. Parents, retiree, and students can make time for sports. We humans were created to jump, run, walk, and play. So sitting all day in the office without moving means working against your biology, which can lead to stiffness and sluggish circulation. When you add sports to your routine, it makes you enjoy what you do the more.