Electronic devices surround teenagers and young children, and as a result, they might not be keen on going out and playing different sports. According to a study, only 40% of physically fit teenagers from ages 13 to 17 take part in any recreational or sports activity, which is a concern for teens and their parents.
Picking up a sport at a young age can allow teens to enjoy various benefits. This article will shed light on a few advantages of playing sports or participating in any recreational activity as a teen.
5 Reasons Teenagers Should Play Sports
Taking part in physical activities such as sports offers various benefits. It also helps teens become more confident in the latter stages of their lives. If they are good at it and win sports medals early, they can pursue it as a full-time career; if nothing else, it can add to their self-esteem. On that note, here are a few benefits teenagers can get from playing sports.
Makes Teens Healthier and Smarter
Undoubtedly, sports activities help a person become healthier. Exercise is good for mental and physical health, which is something the players bear in mind when playing the sport. Many people might fear the risk of injuries, but the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. Playing regular sports will help teens to:
- Promote better sleep
- Improve mood
- Control their weight
- Combat health conditions and diseases
- Boost energy
Apart from contributing to teens’ health, playing sports can also help them become smarter. A report by the Institute of Medicine discovered a positive correlation between sports and cognitive function in teenagers. Active children tend to have better attention and higher scores on standardized academic tests compared to their less active peers.
Teaches Teamwork and Sportsmanship
In sports with teams, the common goal is to help the team succeed and win the game. There is collaboration and motivation to accomplish a common goal. Therefore, teens participating in sports can teach them to work with other team members. Being a team player is a trait that can help them in the long run. Even if a “star” player is in the team, they can’t single-handedly win the game alone. Additionally, sports teach you to respect the opposing teams. It is a way to help players to appreciate the winning team, whether their team wins or loses the game.
Helps Make New Friends
Playing a sport means becoming a part of a team. As a result, it allows them to meet with other teens who share the same passion and dedication towards the game. They can share exciting moments and become friends even off the field. Furthermore, teams might also celebrate a win by going out to dinners. These gatherings allow all the players to know their team members better. Most importantly, teens can learn how to socialize with their team members, which can help them once they enter their professional life.
Improves Focus and Time Management Skills
When playing sports, the players need to be physically and mentally active on the field. Any player can make an impact at any moment, and they need to have their mind on the field to take advantage of that opportunity. This shows how sports activities can help teenagers improve their focus, which can also translate into their academic results. Apart from that, most teenagers pursue their studies along with sports. Therefore, they need to manage their time between sports and studies. Playing sports can help teenagers to develop two crucial traits: focus and time management. These traits can go a long way in helping teens achieve their short and long-term goals.
Gives The Chance to Stand Out
Lastly, playing sports can help teenagers gain admission to their favorite colleges or universities. Well-rounded applicants are mostly a preferable choice for educational institutes. It is usually the case because having sports on their resume shows that they are disciplined, confident, and a team player. Not only that, but it is also possible for teens playing sports to land jobs after they finish their studies. Playing sports can give you an advantage over other candidates for many jobs. Employers understand that sports help people develop traits mentioned throughout this article. Therefore, teenagers who play sports have a greater chance of landing higher-status jobs than those who do not.
Playing sports can offer a wide range of benefits to teenagers. Attending a sports event and dreaming of playing on a big stage like that is quite possible by starting at a young age. It can help you try new things, improve your technique, and enhance your skills by working through tournaments.
