27/12/2021
SPORT: IT IS USEFUL FOR THE BODY AND BRAIN.
"If you are already tired - sit down-get up, sit down-get up! You are not afraid of the Arctic and Antarctica," Vysotsky sings in the famous song about the benefits of morning gymnastics. And it's no coincidence that this song is so popular – it, like the sports themselves, always lifts the mood.
Although we all know about the benefits of sports for the body, for some reason we underestimate its benefits for the brain and psyche. Why does sport boost morale? How does it affect the mind? How does it help you feel better in every sense, not just physically?
Find the answers to these questions below.
What are the benefits of sports for body and mind?
It is scientifically proven that sports bring pleasure, which we feel both with our body and mind. The reason? Endorphins released by the brain during and after sports, and a simultaneous decrease in the level of stress hormones.
After 30 minutes of exercise, endorphins are released in the body, and they act like morphine. Symptoms: mild euphoria, reduction of pain and fatigue, reduction of stress and fatigue. The consequence is a fighting spirit, which increases the motivation to play sports, so that training becomes regular.
Further – more: sports will increase your self-confidence and self-esteem, you will feel more comfortable in your body, in harmony with yourself.
The benefits of sports for the psyche
Improves intellectual abilities
In addition to releasing hormones such as endorphins, which give a sense of well-being and pleasure, sports have other benefits - especially for intelligence.
Physical activity exercises develop endurance and improve oxygen circulation in the body, contributing to more efficient brain activity. That's why it is so often advised to take breaks during the day and do exercises.
Many people are sometimes afraid to waste time taking a break. But a good break, on the contrary, saves you time – because you work better. At work, at school, while preparing for exams, exercises help the brain to cope with tasks faster.
"A healthy mind in a healthy body" means that for full self-realization it is important to use both moral and physical strength. Check it out for yourself!
Sports reduce stress and anxiety levels
Endorphins and dopamine are the best stress medications. How exactly do these substances, called hormones of happiness, act on the brain?
It turns out that physical activity releases hormones that have the same effect as some medications. Endorphins act as an analgesic, and in addition, suppress negative emotions and, as expected, reduce stress levels! It is endorphins that can bring the body into a state of euphoria and even cause addiction! But it's an addiction that benefits.
Sport increases self-esteem and determination
Sport is a school of life. In sports, you constantly set goals and do everything possible to achieve them. Sometimes there are problems (injuries, lack of time, failures), but in the end progress inevitably comes.
Sport develops perseverance, teaches you to surpass yourself. Admit it: you feel proud when the goal is achieved – and for good reason, you really have something to be proud of!
Self-esteem increases when we take full responsibility. This is exactly what happens in sports: even higher, even further, even stronger!
Sport is the basis of a healthy lifestyle
By doing sports, you want to take care of yourself in every way. For example, you want to pamper yourself because you restore self-confidence and self-esteem.
It manifests itself in different ways for different people. Some, who previously refused to cook, start cooking again and eat better. Others organize their leisure time around sports: they improve their pace of life and sleep better. Watch yourself: how does your life change when you play sports?
What kinds of sports strengthen the spirit?
The answer is simple: everything! No matter what kind of sport you do, training builds morale. Even if your sport is not fighting at all!
An important rule: do not force yourself. Train because you want to! If you think about sports positively, you will not have to motivate yourself – you will just train.
A positive attitude helps the brain to develop positive associations. Do not say "I should/should do exercises", "I need to lose weight, so I need to train" - "should" and "should" only suppress motivation. It's better to say "I do sports with pleasure", "I'm proud to do sports and take care of my body", "I can't wait to be able to do sports!".
Setting goals, whatever they are, is very important for successful training. The main thing is that the goals should be specific. Looking good is a vague goal. To lose 5 kg is concrete. Being more active is not specific. To run 5 km in 3 months is a concrete one. Try it yourself!
When setting goals, be honest with yourself, prepare your body for the load gradually. If you run 10 km tomorrow, you will never want to run again! Love yourself, listen to your body. It doesn't matter if it takes longer to achieve the goal than you planned. The main thing is to enjoy the process.