Physical activity has always been known to increase your physical health, but it has other benefits as well, including enhancing your mental health. Physical activity makes you feel happier, aids in weight loss, strengthens both muscles and bones, gives you an energy boost, reduces your risk of serious diseases, increases your memory, helps you sleep better, and reduces chronic pain. Not all types of physical activity require you to pay for a gym membership. In fact, just engaging in certain sports can help you to reduce the amount of stress you feel, especially after a long day at work.
#1: Yoga
Yoga may be considered more of a type of exercise rather than a sport, but it’s a great way to clear your mind of the hard day you’ve just had at work. Yoga allows you to be meditative as you concentrate on your breathing. The best part about yoga is that you don’t necessarily have to take a yoga class to be successful at it; you can simply create an exercise space in your home and try some basic poses, or following along with videos on YouTube.
#2: Soccer
Soccer/football is a sport that is popular all over the world, and it’s also good for relieving work-related stress. In addition to being able to kick a ball to release all of your frustrations, you get to interact with other people when playing on a team. In fact, all team sports provide a social aspect that’s good for relieving stress, both physically and mentally.
#3: Self-Defense
Self-defense helps you to improve your balance and coordination, forcing you to become aware of your body and also your surroundings. Self-defense is also known to boost confidence in both children and adults, and more confidence can lead to you feeling less stressed in the workplace. You will also become more disciplined, which may also be helpful to you when you’re back at work. Ultimately, knowing self-defense will help you to feel safer, along with a number of other benefits.
#4: Running
Many sports require you to run, and running is known to be a good way to relieve stress, especially after a long day of work. Your mind is focused on a goal, and you can also enjoy your favorite music, a podcast, or an audiobook while you do it. Of course, you’ll also benefit from the physical aspects of running, such as weight loss. This is especially helpful if you find yourself eating more due to stress.
#5: Fishing
Fishing can be considered both a sport and a hobby, and it’s not just a relaxing way to wind down after work. It’s also a great low-impact cardio workout— though you may not even realize you’re working out. Tailored Tackle has a step-by-step guide on techniques used to catch fish that require you to be in different stances, which can affect the way you use your weight. Imagine standing on a boat in the middle of a pond or lake: you’ll have to use a lot of core strength to keep your balance. Other benefits fishing provides include:
● The fresh air cleans out your lungs and puts you in a better mental state.
● The relaxing waters have a calming effect on the mind.
● You’re in the sun, so you’re getting a good amount of natural vitamin D.
● The fish you catch make for a healthy meal, full of essential fatty and amino acids.
● Your concentration and patience improve, which will also benefit you at work.
● You feel a sense of accomplishment.
#6: Climbing
Climbing, like fishing, also allows you to be outside, reaping all of the mental health benefits of being outdoors. You can also choose to do indoor climbing, and still benefit mentally. Climbing is another sport that gives you a sense of accomplishment. It also works your entire body, and your mental health is always benefited when you take care of your physical health.
