A new infographic highlights the many benefits of playing sports. Sports can be a great way to improve your health, which in turn can improve your happiness.
The best part about being involved in sport is the social connections it can generate. Studies show that people who are actively engaged in sports are happier than their non-sporting counterparts.
While the benefits of physical activity are well-known, it’s been said that participation in sports is one of the top three ways to reduce anxiety and depression. However, if you’re a die-hard sports fan, you’ll know that it’s not all fun and games. Getting in the game can involve stress, and your body is only going to do its best if you get sufficient sleep and regeneration.
Similarly, a recent study found that participation in a health-based sport like swimming, racquetball, or weight lifting can help you lose weight, improve your heart health, and even increase your happiness. In addition to the benefits of exercise, athletes tend to have more energy and a higher mood.
Taking it a step further, an experimental study based in Rheinberg, Germany found that sports are linked to happiness. The good news is that this study did not require any financial support.
One thing to consider is the size of the control variables in this study. As with the majority of studies, the sizes of the control variables are quite small. This can limit the results of the study.
