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Intro
Prepared with assistance from the Centre for Sport and Recreation Research, Curtin University.
Being part of a team increases a person’s social support networks, which can reduce stress, anxiety and depression1.
It’s easy to think the main benefits of sport and physical recreation revolve around fitness - but research shows there are also many benefits which improve mental health.
Physically active individuals report:
In young people, one study found higher levels of depression symptoms during adolescence for those who participated less in moderate physical activity and team sports4.
It is important that youth are encouraged to be involved in sport at school. This can protect against poor mental health in early adulthood through fewer incidences of victimisation and bullying.
Different cultural groups engage in sport and active recreation in different ways. There’s an urgent need for:
Being active by joining a club not only helps keep older people agile and healthy, it connects them, helps with making new friends and keeps the mind engaged.
As we age, ABS statistics6 indicate that involvement in organised sport and physical activity declines.
The everyday stresses of life – wanting to do our best, looking for a new job, moving house, grieving for a loved one – all add to the pressure to perform, particularly when playing team sports.
Participation in organised sport and recreation can protect against mental illness and promote positive mental health.
Researchers believe that participating in sport and recreation and group-based physical activities is the glue that binds people together.7
Promoting the social, physical and mental wellbeing benefits of being active in a community helps create social cohesion, especially amongst disadvantaged groups.
People who belong to a team are generally happier10 and experience fewer psychological difficulties.11
Playing sport locally or regularly walking your dog in the neighbourhood park helps you get to know your community and the people who live there.
The more you do this the more ownership you take of your area which leads to a positive relationship with your streets.
With this, comes with a feeling of being safer and in turn creates more positive emotional and behavioural wellbeing.
Research confirms being active in the playground, on the court and on the field helps learning in the classroom.
It points to more physically active children being smarter because exercise has biological, psychological and social benefits – it improves memory, behaviour, motor skills, concentration and reasoning.
Doing school sport during adolescence was a statistically significant predictor of:
“People are more likely to confide, ask small favours and obtain support from their sport and recreation clubs.”12
Overall, evidence from research indicates that sport brings people together which positively influences their mental health.
This sort of social interaction and support are brought about by a range of sources which can buffer the impact of stress and protect against poor mental health. These can include:
Find a club in your local area.
Take a tip from the ancient Romans: “A healthy mind in a healthy body” — a saying that has gone on to become the motto of many sporting and physical activity groups around the world.
Overall, research supports the finding that participating in organised sport and recreation can protect against mental illness and promote positive mental health.
For more information or to obtain copies of other publications contact:
Advocacy Project OfficerDepartment of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries246 Vincent Street, Leederville WA 6007PO Box 8349 Perth Business Centre WA 6849Telephone 61 8 6552 7300Email the Advocacy Project Officer