"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
30 Mar 2023
Participating in group sports can have a significant impact on mental health and academic performance, according to a recent study. The study found that students who participated in team sports had lower levels of stress and higher levels of academic competence compared to their non-sporting peers.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that participation in activities such as fitness classes and drop-in sports before the pandemic was linked to lower levels of stress and higher levels of perceived competence to handle challenges and master school workload during the lockdown.
The study used factor and regression analyses based on self-reported responses from 116 students active in campus recreational sports at two-time points: January 2020, before the pandemic, and April 2020, after lockdowns.
The study highlights the importance of physical activity and social interaction for mental health and academic performance. It suggests that participating in team sports can provide a valuable outlet for stress and help to promote overall well-being.
The findings of the study have important implications for educators and policymakers, who may want to consider the role of sports and physical activity in promoting mental health and academic success. By providing opportunities for students to participate in team sports and other physical activities, schools and communities can help to support the health and well-being of young people.