The 5 Best Sports For Mental Health

Improving your physical wellbeing might be only one of the reasons why people take exercise. Exercise can be hugely beneficial for a person’s mental health, as studies have found it can boost your mood, reduce depression and anxiety, improve focus and concentration and improve self-confidence.

If you are looking to start taking more exercise to improve both your mental and physical health, this guide is here. The list below outlines the five sports that have been found to improve your mental wellbeing.

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   Yoga 

Yoga has been found to be one of the best sports for people who are looking to tackle mental health issues that are related to anxiety. The reason why yoga can be so beneficial to mental health is that, through pranayama breathing and the performance of different postures, the exercise encourages the participant to focus on their body and their breath. This brings you into the present moment and can work as a form of mindfulness.

Not only can yoga be very beneficial for the treatment of anxiety but for other disorders too. Studies have found that yoga and other mindfulness activities can have a very positive effect on reducing the stress hormone cortisol in the body.

2. Mixed Martial Arts 

Mixed martial arts can involve a number of different disciplines such as boxing, Muay Thai, self-defense, and Jiu-Jitsu. As Fight City Gym explains, mixed martial arts can be one of the best sports for combating mental health problems. Studies have found that mixed martial arts can be particularly beneficial for combating depression, stress, or anger-related issues and anxiety.

3. Tai Chi 

If you find you are struggling with impulse control or similar issues that are a result of larger mental health problems, then you might want to consider taking up Tai Chi. Studies that were taken on people who suffer from ADHD found that Thai Chi can be very valuable when it comes to dealing with symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and control problems.

4. Team Sports 

The mental health advantages of team sports are very diverse and are present regardless of which specific sport you are participating in.

For example, studies have found that participating in team sports can help you to combat the signs of addiction. Teams sports also have a very positive benefit on mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

Research has found that, unlike other measures that are designed to combat mental health issues, team sports can have long-term effects.

5. Swimming 

Swimming is not only a fantastic form of exercise, but it can also be a positive activity for combating mental health problems. Swimming encourages you to focus on your form and be in the moment.

This can help people to deal with the symptoms of stress and anxiety as you are being more mindful while producing positive hormones while exercising, such as endorphins and dopamine.

Since swimming does not allow you to have any distractions, such as listening or watching something while you exercise, it can be a great way of focusing and giving your mind a bit of a break.