Do you watch group sports tournaments? Soccer, cricket, tennis doubles? When we watch our favourite sports even remotely, we support our team, become their fans and appreciate their wins, feel bad and remorse if they lose. Watching group sports however is only for entertainment.
Have you considered playing group sports yourself? If you are a part of a sports team, then kudos to you. If not, consider joining one whether amateur or professional, workplace or personal, small or big to reap the many benefits of being a team member and sportsperson.
The first benefit is that your physical fitness improves leaps and bounds as group sports improve cardiovascular activity, muscular strength and flexibility. Your team mates hold you accountable to show up for practise and games and before you know it, you are getting regular exercise of a good calibre.
The second benefit is that your social wellness improves as you communicate and co-ordinate better with your team, feel a sense of camaraderie and are able to form and maintain a good relationship with new team members and a special bond with the old team members. This in turn, helps you develop a supportive network.
The third benefit is that your stress levels are reduced and as a result your immune system becomes stronger and your health improves. What’s more, you learn to manage your stress better as you get exposed to competition from your rival team and spectators watching you and expecting you to do your best.
Several other benefits include learning a new skill set, becoming more disciplined, developing critical thinking and increasing your confidence.
It’s never too early or too late to engage in group sports! Try hard to find something that matches your ability and interest. New group sports like Padel have made an appearance and you can join a sports club or find an interest group on meet up in your geography. Pick any group sports of your choice and join a suitable team to improve your overall wellness.
